Cost Comparison 2025

BrisbanevsTaipei

Australia
Taiwan

Overall

💰

-20.7%

Brisbane is 20.7%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-38.5%

Housing is 38.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

-31.3%

Restaurants 31.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-3.8%

Food shopping 3.8% less

Comparing the cost of living between Brisbane, Australia and Taipei, Taiwan reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Brisbane is more affordable than Taipei by approximately 20.7%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Brisbane are higher than in Taipei by 63%. A one-bedroom apartment in Brisbane's city center costs around A$2,200, while the same in Taipei is approximately NT$25,000.

Dining out in Brisbane is notably more expensive compared to Taipei. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs A$20 in Brisbane versus NT$120 in Taipei.

Public transportation in Brisbane is more affordable, with monthly passes at A$175 compared to NT$1,280 in Taipei.

Purchasing power in Brisbane is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Taipei.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Brisbane can expect to spend approximately A$791 per month (excluding rent), while in Taipei, the same lifestyle would cost around NT$9,880. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about A$2,769 monthly in Brisbane versus NT$34,580 in Taipei. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Brisbane, Australia
Taipei, Taiwan

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
A$2,200
NT$25,000
1BR Outside Center
A$1,700
NT$15,000
3BR City Center
A$3,800
NT$50,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
A$20
NT$120
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
A$100
NT$800
Cappuccino
A$5
NT$120
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
A$10
NT$80

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
A$2
NT$95
Bread (500g)
A$3
NT$50
Eggs (12)
A$5
NT$80
Cheese (1kg)
A$11
NT$600

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
A$5
NT$25
Monthly Pass
A$175
NT$1,280
Taxi Start
A$5
NT$85
Gasoline (1L)
A$2
NT$32

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
A$180
NT$2,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
A$80
NT$900
Mobile Minute
A$0
NT$5

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Taipei to Brisbane, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Brisbane to Taipei requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Brisbane

Cost of Living Index82
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index102

Taipei

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index70

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brisbane more expensive than Taipei?

No, Brisbane is approximately 20.7% cheaper than Taipei. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Brisbane compared to Taipei?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 83% of your Taipei salary when living in Brisbane. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Taipei, you'd need about $41,414 in Brisbane for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Brisbane and Taipei?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 63%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Brisbane offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Brisbane provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Brisbane if you prioritize earning potential, or Taipei for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Brisbane vs Taipei?

In Brisbane, a single person needs approximately A$2,491 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about A$5,569. In Taipei, these figures are NT$24,880 for singles and NT$64,580 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Brisbane and Taipei in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Taipei to maintain your lifestyle from Brisbane

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers