Known for its beautiful parklands and stunning coastlines, Brisbane is a popular destination for UK expats. Whether you’re thinking about making a move to Brisbane for your career, your lifestyle or both, this guide takes you through everything you need to know.
Discover what it’s like to really live and work in Brisbane.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Why Move to Brisbane?
While Sydney and Melbourne might be the first cities that spring to mind when you think of Australia, Brisbane is an extremely popular destination for tourists and expats alike. With so much to offer, here’s why Brisbane might be the perfect choice for you:
- Subtropical climate: Brisbane boasts a warm, subtropical climate characterised by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Perfect for sun lovers, Brisbane averages 283 sunny days a year.
- Affordable cost of living: In comparison with other popular cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane is more affordable, especially in terms of housing. You will get more for your money whether you are renting or buying.
- Growing Job Market: The economy of Brisbane is booming, with sectors such as tech growing, resulting in lots of new job opportunities. Its proximity to the Asia-Pacific region also makes it an international business hub.
- Outdoor Lifestyle: Due to its temperate climate and sunny weather, Brisbane natives tend to have a very active, outdoor lifestyle. With the Brisbane River, endless parks, and access to some of the best beaches in Australia, there will never be a shortage of things to do outside.
- Family-Friendly Environment: With its excellent schools, quality healthcare facilities, and safe, friendly neighbourhoods, Brisbane is equipped with everything that families need to bring up their kids in a happy, welcoming environment.
Living in Brisbane
The Lifestyle in Brisbane
The Brisbane lifestyle is all about balance. With all the amenities and facilities you could need, plus natural beauty and stunning landscapes, Brisbane has something for everyone. Residents can experience the convenience of city living without the overwhelming hustle and bustle of big metropolitan cities. It is this eclectic mix that makes Brisbane a liveable city, relaxed in pace, but with lots to see and do.
- Balanced Living: The perfect mix of urban amenities and natural beauty with relaxed pace and plenty to see and do.
- Urban & Outdoor Integration: City living & nature blending seamlessly together. Enjoy a coffee in New Farm, then go for a kayak down the Brisbane River or a hike up Mt. Coot-tha.
- Cultural Vibrancy: An extremely rich cultural scene with numerous galleries, theatres, music houses; Fortitude Valley is a live music and diverse dining hub.
- Diverse Food Scene: Ranging from riverside restaurants to local produce and artisanal goods markets, there is a wide variety of places and options from which to dine.
Cost of Living in Brisbane
The Housing Market
One of the key things to consider when moving to a new city is the cost of housing. Whilst rent and property prices have increased in recent years, compared to Sydney and Melbourne, renting and purchasing property in Brisbane is much more affordable.
- Renting in Brisbane: According to SQM research, weekly rent in Brisbane for a 3 bed house averaged $650 per week in August 2024. For smaller units, average rent is around $560 per week. In some high-demand suburbs such as Paddington, West End, and New Farm, you should expect to pay more. However there are also more affordable suburbs to choose from such as Chermside, Mount Gravatt, and Spring Hill.
- Buying a home in Brisbane: The cost of buying a home in Brisbane will vary greatly depending on the area you choose to purchase in. According to Open Agent, the median property cost in Brisbane was $859,240; this includes all property types including flats and houses.
Daily Living Costs
In terms of day to day costs, much like the property prices, these tend to be slightly lower than other large cities in Australia.
- Groceries: A single person may spend approximately AUD 100–150 per week on groceries. The two big supermarkets in Australia are Coles and Woolworths, though fresh produce options can be found in farmers’ markets.
- Utilities: The average per month thus adds up to around AUD 200 for electricity, heating, cooling, and water for a two-bedroom flat. The monthly cost of using the internet is about AUD 70–100.
- Transport: Public transportation in Brisbane is reliable and modestly priced.There are also money-saving options available such as monthly passes for trains, buses and ferries.
- Eating Out: Food prices in Brisbane are varied, from reasonable to high, depending on what you would like to eat. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant can cost you about AUD 20; for a mid-range three-course meal for two people, it will cost around AUD 80.
Popular Neighbourhoods and Suburbs
When moving to a new city, the choice of neighbourhood becomes very important. Brisbane has many diverse suburbs, each with its own feel. Here are a few:
- Paddington: With its charming old Queenslander homes and lively café culture, Paddington is an extremely popular suburb among young professionals and creatives.
- West End: A Bohemian suburb with a strong sense of community, West End is well known for its eclectic markets, shops that are just that little bit quirky, and all sorts of restaurants.
- New Farm: This suburb offers both luxury flats and heritage homes, not to mention the direct access to the river and parklands making it one of Brisbane’s most desired suburbs.
- Chermside: A family-oriented suburb with great shopping facilities, parks, and schools, this area is well-connected to the city by public transport.
- Carindale: Another family favourite, Carindale boasts spacious homes, good schools, and a large shopping centre, Westfield Carindale.
For more information, read our blog on Where to Live in Brisbane
Social Life and Recreational Activities
Brisbane’s social scene is lively and friendly, making it easy to make new friends and connections. If you’re into sports and fitness, Brisbane loves its rugby league, cricket, and Australian Rules Football. There are plenty of gyms, yoga studios, and fitness clubs in the city to keep you moving.
- Community Events: Throughout the year, a number of community events occur across the city, including cultural festivals and free outdoor concerts. The Brisbane Festival, Riverfire, and Paniyiri Greek Festival are some of the events available in the city.
- Weekend Getaways: Brisbane is such that any weekend getaway destination is within your reach. From the beaches on the Gold Coast to the hiking trails in the Glass House Mountains and wineries in the Scenic Rim, there is always something new waiting to be discovered.
Benefits of Living in Brisbane
There are several lifestyle benefits besides the practical advantages of living in Brisbane. The laid-back feel of the city, coupled with the cultural vibrancy, makes Brisbane an interesting combination that attracts locals and new people alike.
- Cultural Diversity: Brisbane is a melting pot of cultures, reflected in its food, festivals, and community events. This is what makes Brisbane truly strong in providing a rich, varied experience to its residents.
- Good Infrastructure: Brisbane has an efficient and well-maintained public transport system, whereby movement around the city is very easy. The infrastructure is ever-improving, with huge investments going into roads, public places, and facilities.
- High Community Spirit: Though Brisbane is a big city, it still retains a strong community feel. People are very friendly and like to help each other out, making it easy for people who move here to settle in easily.
Challenges of Living in Brisbane
Common Disadvantages of Living in Brisbane
While there are many advantages to living in Brisbane, there may be some things you should be aware of:
- Hot and Humid Summers: Brisbane summers can be really very hot and humid. Often temperatures reach above 30°C (86°F). This can be uncomfortable for those who are not accustomed to this type of weather. However air conditioning is common so you should be able to stay cool!
- Distance to Other Major Cities: Brisbane is relatively isolated compared to Sydney and Melbourne. The nearest major city is more than 900 kilometres away, so travelling can sometimes be more time-consuming and expensive.
- Poor Public Transport Option: Although Brisbane’s public transport system is reliable, it is not as vast as Sydney’s or Melbourne’s. This might make certain suburbs a little less accessible without a car.
How to Overcome These Challenges
- Stay Cool: Invest in air conditioning and organise outdoor activities early in the morning or late in the afternoon during summer. Brisbane has plenty of parks and a river to cool off in, too.
- Travel Smart: Budget airlines will save you money on internal flights, while Queensland has enough attractions to keep you interested without the crowds or cost of the southern states.
- Choose Your Location Wisely: When deciding where to live, consider commute and transport options. If you don’t have a car, you will want to make sure there are cycle routes, buses or train services that service the area.
Working in Brisbane
Job Opportunities in Brisbane
Brisbane has a strong and diverse job market, making the city attractive to jobseekers. Some industries that have experience recent growth and demand include:
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: This is the biggest industry in Brisbane, hiring a massive proportion of workers. Due to the ageing population, demand for health services remains high; hence, there are various opportunities open in this sector.
- Construction: Brisbane has entered a construction boom, with numerous infrastructure projects in the works. This sector is very robust, providing clear opportunities for engineers, project managers, and skilled tradespeople.
- Education and Training: As a large education hub, Brisbane has numerous opportunities available within this sector for teachers, administrators, and support staff. Within the city are several universities and research institutions that provide many roles.
- Information Technology: Brisbane’s tech scene has been growing in recent years, with new startups, as well as established companies, looking for IT professionals. With specialties in Software Development, Cyber Security and Digital Marketing, Brisbane could be the perfect place for those with expertise in these areas.
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: For those in professional and scientific roles currently, Brisbane has many opportunities available. Key areas include legal and accounting, engineering, and scientific research.
Work Culture in Brisbane
Brisbane’s work culture is productivity-oriented while, at the same time, it lays a strong emphasis on a healthy work–life balance.
- Respect of personal time: Work schedules often allow for midday breaks and timely finishes, hence promoting the enjoyment of personal time.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexible working practices are common in Brisbane, with many employers offering flexi-time, remote and hybrid working.This makes it much easier to balance both your work and personal commitments.
- Supportive Environment: Known for promoting collaborative and friendly workplace cultures, to enhance teamwork and positive relationships between people.
- Focus on Well-being: Many corporations offer programs on wellness, lifestyle, and mental health that support the well-being of employees.
Tips on How to Find Work in Brisbane
If you’re looking for a job in Brisbane, but are currently based in the UK, you might not know where to start. Read our tips on how to find work in Brisbane:
- Network: Utilise your professional network in finding opportunities in employment. This can be done through attending industry events, joining professional groups, and even connecting with people on LinkedIn. Let them know of your intentions to move to Brisbane – you never know what opportunities people might have!
- Localise Your CV: Make sure that your CV adheres to the Australian standard. Identify any relevant experience or projects and outline them, but also be sure that your qualifications are recognised in Australia.
- Use Australian Job Portals: Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn are all popular job portals in Australia. Make sure to set up alerts that allow you to be updated on new opportunities.
Moving to Brisbane: What You Need to Know
If you’re moving to Brisbane from the UK, there are a couple of extra steps to consider. Firstly, you must ensure that your visa is in order. In many cases, you will need to secure a job in Brisbane prior to your move.
To ensure that you have everything you need in place for your move to Brisbane, you may want to work with a relocation specialist. They can help with everything from packing to customs requirements.
It may also be a good idea to connect with some online expat communities in the run up to your move, for any advice or additional support.
Getting Settled
Once you have moved to Brisbane, you need to start laying roots and adapting to your new lifestyle. It can be scary at first, but also very exciting!
Brisbane has a large expat community, so you may be able to find groups that can help you settle in. Local councils frequently run programs for new residents, and there are also numerous social groups catering to different nationalities.
Another great way to get settled and meet like-minded individuals is to take up some hobbies. Find a group or activity you’re interested in to make new friends and connections.
Practical Tips
Of course, you will also need to do a little admin. Moving to the other side of the world is no small feat; you will need an Australian bank account, healthcare and you may need to update your driving licence if you’re looking to buy a car while you’re there.
- Banking: Open your bank account as soon as possible. Most banks have accounts that you can open before arriving in Australia. This is essential so that you can get paid and pay your bills.
- Healthcare: Apply for Medicare immediately if you are eligible. Also, it is advisable to maintain private health insurance if your visa arrangement does not entitle you to Medicare.
- Driving: Check to see if your current driving licence is acceptable in Queensland; otherwise, you will have to replace it with a local licence if you plan to drive.
How John Mason Can Help
We are specialists in international removals to Brisbane, with over 100 years experience helping people move abroad. We handle everything from packing and customs forms, to delivering your belongings to your new home. We provide tailored end-to-end services to make your move as stress-free as possible, so you can focus on starting your new life.
We also provide a range of relocation services from visa support to pet relocation. Get an instant quote or get in touch with a member of our team to discuss your unique requirements.
FAQs
Yes, Brisbane is often praised for its warm climate, friendly community, and high quality of life. It’s a great place for both families and professionals.
Finding a job in Brisbane depends on your profession, qualifications, and network. The Brisbane job market is pretty competitive, so you should ensure your CV is up to date and tailored to the Australian job market. Make sure to reach out to your network and use Australian job sites to uncover the best opportunities available.
Many Brits who move to Brisbane are attracted to suburbs that balance lifestyle and amenities, with the feel of a tight community. These include Paddington, with its historic cottages and busy café scene; West End, one of the most eclectic suburbs in Brisbane, inhabited by people from all walks of life; New Farm, with its riverside way of life and closeness to the CBD; and The Gap, with its family-friendly atmosphere and schools of a very high standard.
People move to Brisbane because of the subtropical climate, affordable cost of living, developing job markets, and quality of life. Brisbane is a relaxed place to live with that small-town community feel, great schools and hospitals, and a beautiful outdoors setting where so many recreational activities can be enjoyed. The economy has also grown in areas including health, construction, and technology, attracting many professionals.
