Is Brisbane Expensive?

Is Brisbane expensive to visit?

Brisbane is a popular destination that is also moderately priced. It falls in the middle range of travel cost prices globaly with a daily average travel cost of $131. If we compare it to the rest of the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced place to visit. It ranks in the top 50% of cities in the Pacific for its travel costs. Its travel costs are comparable with places such as Taupo and Perth.



Brisbane skyline

How expensive is Brisbane?

For a trip to Brisbane, travelers spend on average $131 per day (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations from previous visitors. As this is an average cost, your individual spending may vary, especially since there's a wide range of accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment options here. If you stick to moderately-priced hotels and restaurants, as well as take advantage of some of free things to do in the area, you can stick close to the average budget. See more travel costs for Brisbane here to see how all of the average spending costs pan out.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Brisbane?

On average, a weekend trip to Brisbane costs about $392 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a weekend trip costs $783.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Brisbane?

A one week trip to Brisbane costs about $914 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $1,828.

Is it expensive to backpack in Brisbane?

With more than 10 hostels in the area, Brisbane is a popular backpacker destination for travelers looking to stay on a tight budget and have a fun time along the way. Here, hostels cost an average of $31 per night for a dorm bed, with private rooms being more expensive. (See hostel prices in Brisbane here.) It's also common to see a wide range in prices, as the cheapest hostels here cost $14, but the most expensive can be more than $55 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Brisbane.

  • $39 for a dorm bed at Bunk Brisbane
  • $31 for a dorm bed at YHA Brisbane City
  • $44 for a dorm bed at Brisbane Quarters

Are hotels expensive in Brisbane?

When we look at our analysis of hotel prices in Brisbane, we find them to be very economical in comparison to the rest of the world. The average nightly cost for a hotel room here is approximately $95. The area boasts about 45 five-star hotels with an average rate of $123 per night. For those seeking a balance between comfort and affordability, three-star hotels offer an average rate of $78 per night, while two-star hotels provide an even more budget-friendly option at $48 per night.


Hotels by star rating in Brisbane
Rating Number of Hotels Average Hotel Price
5 stars 45 $123
4 stars 92 $100
3 stars 52 $78
2 stars 13 $48
1 star 2 $17
No rating 2 $103

610 Kingsford Smith Drive, Brisbane
Overall Rating 9.2
25-35 Rotherham Street, Brisbane
Overall Rating 9.1

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Brisbane?

In Brisbane, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $24 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is less than the country's average of $31.

    • 2hr Animal Tour: $73
    • Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour: $69
    • North Stradbroke Island Private Tour with Pickup: $165
    • 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $56
    • Bloody Brisbane Crime Tour by Coach - Crime Tours Australia: $43
    • Minjerribah Cultural Experience : $106
    • Mt Tamborine 8-hour Guided Tour by Minivan in the Scenic Rim : $109
    • Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour: $116

    Is food expensive in Brisbane?

    In Brisbane, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $31 per day on food, which is less than the country's average of $34.

    • Brisbane: Guided Food Tour with Coffee, Seafood and Wine: $552
    • Brisbane: Sunshine Coast Food Tour: $641

    Is transportation expensive in Brisbane?

    Exploring local transportation in Brisbane shows that the price can vary greatly by the type of transportation used. On average, previous travelers have spent $17 per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $30. If you want to save money, use public transit as it's much cheaper than taxis or private drivers.

    More for Brisbane

    If you're planning a trip to Brisbane, Australia, check out these other informative travel guides.



    We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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