Why Move to Queensland?
Housing is generally more affordable in Queensland than in cities such as Sydney or Melbourne. It’s an ideal area of Australia for nature lovers as it’s home to the outback, beaches and rainforests. Queensland also boasts well developed healthcare and reputable education facilities.
Best Places to Live in Queensland
Cairns, Brisbane and the Gold Coast are popular destinations for British expats. The Inner Suburbs of Brisbane such as New Farm, Paddington, and West End are renowned for their vibrant lifestyle and central locations. Try Cairns for a lower cost of living and job opportunities in the tourism sector. To find out more, read our Moving to Australia guide.
Cost of Living in Queensland
The cost of living in Queensland in 2024 31% lower than in the UK (London). It’s also cheaper than Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart, but more expensive than Perth. The cost of living including prices of groceries and salaries will vary depending on the city in Queensland you’re living in. Brisbane is more expensive than the Sunshine Coast and Far North Queensland.
Below we compare the cost of living in Queensland with the UK by looking at the prices for Brisbane and London.
Cost of Living Comparison: Queensland vs. London
Item |
Queensland |
UK (London) |
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre |
$2,482.38 (£1,289.57)
|
£2,170.83
|
Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre |
$12,286.92 (£6,382.92)
|
£13,403.96 |
Monthly salary after tax |
$6,016.09 (£3,125.29)
|
£3,732 |
3 course meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant |
$120 (£62.34)
|
£80 |
1 litre of milk |
$2.19 (£1.14)
|
£1.33 |
1kg chicken fillets |
$12.63 (£6.56)
|
£7.41 |
Monthly travel pass |
$193 (£100.26)
|
£200 |
Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment |
$280.17 (£145.55)
|
£281.33 |
Monthly gym membership |
$78.48 (£40.77) |
£45.33 |
Monthly private preschool |
$2,390.74 (£1,241.06)
|
£1,815.85 |
Data taken from Numbeo.
Property Prices & Rent in Queensland
Queensland property prices are on the rise, making it more expensive than Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Hobart for buying and renting. In 2024, property prices cost 50% less in Queensland than in the UK (London). South and Western Queensland generally offer more affordable housing than other areas. Living in the city centre of Brisbane will cost significantly more than other areas of Queensland.
Below is a comparison of rental and buying prices in Queensland compared to London, by looking at Brisbane prices.
Property Prices & Rent in Queensland vs. London
Item |
Queensland |
UK (London) |
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre |
$2,482.38 (£1,289)
|
£2,170.83 |
Monthly rent for 1-bedroom apartment outside of centre |
$2,090.16 (£1,085.82)
|
£1,630.26
|
Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre |
$12,286.92 (£6,382.92)
|
£13,403.96
|
Price per m2 to buy apartment outside of city centre |
$8,551.17 (£4,442.24)
|
£7,956.99
|
Data taken from Numbeo.
Education in Queensland
Queensland offers an excellent standard of education from preschool to university. Children must attend school from age 6 until age 16, where they must either continue further education, training or work until age 17. STEM subjects such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are focussed on and Queensland schools place importance on teaching Indigenous perspectives.
Job Market in Queensland
The Healthcare and social assistance sector dominates the job market, offering varied roles from doctors to support staff. Brisbane offers opportunities in finance, whilst the Gold and Sunshine Coasts are hot spots for tourism jobs. North Queensland you’ll find plenty of agriculture and mining opportunities. The education, construction and tourism sectors are also significant employers throughout Queensland.