Brisbane is a popular destination for expats. Known for its friendly locals and sub-tropical climate, Brissie is a thriving city that is more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne. In 2025, the capital of Queensland was home to 2.78 million people. With its relaxed outdoor lifestyle and vibrant culture, dining and nightlife, it has shed its 'big country town' label, evolving into a major international city. But, if you're thinking about making the move to the Sunshine State and looking to put down roots in Queensland's riverside capital, you'll need to do your homework.
Types of accommodation in Brisbane
The main housing options in BrisbaneÌý¾±²Ô³¦±ô³Ü»å±ð renting houses or apartments, flat sharing, or buying. Flat sharing is usually the most economical option and is an excellent choice for students or backpackers, especially if you want to meet new people and immerse yourself in the local way of life.
First, it is essential to determine what style of home you prefer and your as well as your budget. If you would rather live alone or require a larger space for your family, consider a house or an apartment. Otherwise, you can find a roommate in a shared flat, which is a very economical way to live in Brisbane. Apartments can also vary significantly in size and style, ranging from brand-new high-rise apartments to smaller low-rise units.Ìý
House-hunting in Brisbane
A good place to start your search for a shared house is via popular flat-share websites, such as Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý. When searching for a private house or flat in Brisbane, the best websites are Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý, which allow you to search by area, price, bedrooms, and type of house.
Renting accommodation in Brisbane
In Brisbane, rent is paid every two or four weeks by bank transfer or deposit. Generally, when signing a contract or lease for the property, you will also need to pay one month's bond as a security deposit, as well as two or four weeks of rent up-front. Rental periods are typically six months or one year, but you can sometimes negotiate leases of longer or shorter duration.
It is essential to understand that flats can be furnished or unfurnished and may or may not include appliances such as a washing machine, dryer, or refrigerator. Therefore, it is always advisable to double-check this information before signing a contract. And if you have a furry friend with you, make sure to check if cats and dogs are allowed, as some landlords do not allow pets.
Good to know:
Tenants are responsible for paying the costs of electricity, gas, and internet/cable services. They will also have to pay for water consumption if the property is individually metered. And, if the property is damaged in any way, it is essential to contact your rental agency or landlord, as you will have to forfeit your bond if you were responsible.
Brisbane's neighborhoods
The Brisbane River flows through the city, which is broadly divided into North Brisbane and South Brisbane. The CBD is situated on the north side of the river, a dynamic hub featuring a blend of heritage and modernity. Over the river, South Bank is the cultural precinct, home to lots of dining and entertainment options, as well as the city's popular artificial beach.
But head out from the river, and you'll discover some of the city's fashionable inner-city suburbs and family-friendly neighborhoods, with Brisbane's southern suburbs home to a number of multicultural communities. Here is a run-down of some of :
New Farm
Located just a few kilometers from the city center, New Farm is a trendy and vibrant neighborhood on the northern banks of the river. Known for its leafy streets, green spaces, and charming old homes, it's an excellent choice for professionals seeking a cosmopolitan inner-city lifestyle. New Farm boasts a great mix of upscale cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, making it a popular destination for food enthusiasts. The current weekly median rent for a house in New Farm in June 2025 is AUD 1,200 (USD 778), while for an apartment, the median rent is AUD 610 (USD 395).
Paddington
Nestled on the western outskirts of the city, Paddington is a fashionable and eclectic neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere and heritage-listed cottages. It features a wide range of quirky shops and boutiques, art galleries, and cafes along its main thoroughfare, Given Terrace. With its fascinating architecture and bohemian charm, Paddington tends to attract artistic and creative types. The suburb is also home to Suncorp Stadium, a major sporting and entertainment venue. The weekly median rent for a house in this north Brisbane suburb will set you back AUD 850 (USD 551) per week, while rent for an apartment is AUD 600 (USD 389).
West End
Located just across the river from the city center, West End is a diverse and bohemian neighborhood that attracts a multicultural crowd and is home to the city's thriving Vietnamese and Greek communities. West End offers a vibrant and alternative atmosphere featuring a mix of multicultural dining options, quirky shops, live music venues, and a thriving arts scene, as well as the popular held every Saturday. The weekly median rent for a house in West End is AUD 800 (USD 518), and for an apartment, it is AUD 700 (USD 454).
Other neighborhoods in Brisbane
Dutton Park — diverse demographic mix
Median weekly rent for houses: AUD 732 (USD 474), apartments: AUD 560 (USD 363)
Spring Hill — inner-city living, historical homes
Median weekly rent for houses: AUD 762 (USD 494), apartments: AUD 600 (USD 389)
Corinda — a family-friendly suburb
Median weekly rent for houses: AUD 750 (USD 486), apartments: AUD 550 (USD 356)
Indooroopilly — close to the University of Queensland, popular with students
Median weekly rent for houses: AUD 830 (USD 538), apartments: AUD 650 (USD 421)
Sunnybank — a multicultural suburb with a large Asian population
Median weekly rent for houses: AUD 630 (USD 408), apartments: AUD 617 (USD 400)
Taringa — popular with students and families, close to universities
Median weekly rent for houses: AUD 720 (USD 467), apartments: AUD 600 (USD 389)
Mount Gravatt — an affordable option for students and young professionals near Griffith University
Median weekly rent for houses: AUD 650 (USD 421), apartments: AUD 610 (USD 395)
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
