The Verdict
Living in Brisbane is 3% cheaper than Los Angeles.
If you move from Brisbane to Los Angeles, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Brisbane, you would need to earn about $77,744 in Los Angeles.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Brisbane:
Why people love Los Angeles:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Brisbane | Los Angeles | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,730 | $2,975 | +$245 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $428 | +$32 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $287 | $315 | +$28 |
| Public transport pass | $104 | $137 | +$33 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $180 | $180 | — |
| Total Monthly | $3,697 | $4,034 | +$337 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (3% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 65/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($4,800/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Los Angeles to match a Brisbane salary
| Salary in Brisbane | Equivalent in Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,829 | $1,829 more |
| $75,000 | $77,744 | $2,744 more |
| $100,000 | $103,659 | $3,659 more |
| $125,000 | $129,573 | $4,573 more |
| $150,000 | $155,488 | $5,488 more |
| $200,000 | $207,317 | $7,317 more |
Brisbane vs Los Angeles: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 3%. Brisbane is the more affordable option.
Rent: Brisbane has a rent index of 78, while Los Angeles has 85.
Average Salaries: Brisbane: $2,860/month vs Los Angeles: $4,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Brisbane wins 5, while Los Angeles wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.