Paris vs Brisbane: Cost of Living Comparison 2025

Paris

France

vs
Brisbane

Australia

Comparing the cost of living between Paris, France and Brisbane, Australia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Paris is more affordable than Brisbane by approximately 3.5%. 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 Paris are higher than in Brisbane by 8%. A one-bedroom apartment in Paris's city center costs around €1,800, while the same in Brisbane is approximately A$2,200.

  • Dining out in Paris costs about the same compared to Brisbane. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Paris versus A$20 in Brisbane.

  • Public transportation in Paris is more affordable, with monthly passes at €86 compared to A$175 in Brisbane.

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

  • Grocery shopping in Paris is more expensive by approximately 15%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Overall Cost of Living

-3.5%

cheaper

Rent

-7.1%

cheaper

Restaurant Prices

-5.9%

cheaper

Groceries

-13.3%

cheaper

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Paris can expect to spend approximately €558 per month (excluding rent), while in Brisbane, the same lifestyle would cost around A$791. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,952 monthly in Paris versus A$2,769 in Brisbane. 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

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,800
A$2,200
1BR Outside Center
€1,200
A$1,700
3BR City Center
€4,000
A$3,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
A$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€70
A$100
Cappuccino
€4
A$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€7
A$10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
A$2
Bread (500g)
€2
A$3
Eggs (12)
€4
A$5
Cheese (1kg)
€18
A$11

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
A$5
Monthly Pass
€86
A$175
Taxi Start
€5
A$5
Gasoline (1L)
€2
A$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€170
A$180
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
A$80
Mobile Minute
€0
A$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Brisbane to Paris, 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 Paris to Brisbane 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

Paris

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index85

Brisbane

Cost of Living Index82
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index102

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paris more expensive than Brisbane?

The cost of living in Paris and Brisbane is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 97% of your Brisbane salary when living in Paris. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Brisbane, you'd need about $48,295 in Paris for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Paris and Brisbane?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 15%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. 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, Paris provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Paris if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Brisbane for better value.

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

In Paris, a single person needs approximately €1,758 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,452. In Brisbane, these figures are A$2,491 for singles and A$5,569 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Paris and Brisbane in 2025 shows moderate 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 Brisbane to maintain your lifestyle from Paris

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15