Which city is cheaper, Brisbane or Canberra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Canberra vs. Brisbane for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Canberra or Brisbane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Canberra or Brisbane? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Canberra or Brisbane?
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCanberra $136Brisbane $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Canberra is $136, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $134. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Canberra and Brisbane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCanberra $84Brisbane $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCanberra $168Brisbane $166
Compare Hotels in Canberra and Brisbane
Looking for a hotel in Canberra or Brisbane? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Canberra Hotel Prices and Brisbane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Canberra $25Brisbane $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Canberra -> Sydney -> Jindabyne -> Perisher Ski Resort : Private Transfer: $474
- Canberra - Sydney Private Transfers: $474
- Private Airport Transfer: from Canberra to Canberra Airport (CBR): $33
Typical Local Transportation prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
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Airtrain to the City$9.97
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Go Card$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sunshine Coast Airport Arrival transfer to Hotels: $14
- Sirromet Winery All inclusive Lunch @ Lurleens, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $158
- Private Transfer: Brisbane to Brisbane Airport (BNE): $98
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport to Noosa for 1 to 7 people: $352
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Brisbane Airport: $40
- Private Brisbane City Transfer to Gold Coast 7am-6pm: $89
- Private Brisbane Airport Arrival Transfer to Gold Coast: $177
- Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $40
- Private Airport Transfer: Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane: $98
- Private Airport Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to South Gold Coast 1-6 pax: $132
- Private Airport Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to North Gold Coast 1-6 pax: $107
- Private 24 Seat Mini Bus CBD to Brisbane Airport Transfer: $205
Is it cheaper to fly into Canberra or Brisbane?
Prices for flights to both Brisbane and Canberra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayCanberra $35Brisbane $32
Typical Food prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$17
Typical Food prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
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Hamburger Lunch$5.32
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Cup of Coffee$1.99
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Chinese Food Lunch$8.31
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Ice cream$3.66
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Japanese Meal$14
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Smoothie$4.32
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Japanese Soup$7.64
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Coffee & Muffin$4.65
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Morning Mint Tea$2.33
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Veggie Burger & Chips$9.31
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Bread$1.73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guided Food Tour with Coffee and Wine Tastings: $184
- Brisbane Food Tour: A Taste of Queensland: $202
- 3-Course Progressive Dinner Experience in Brisbane: $237
- Queensland Food Tour: Farm-to-Table Indulgence: $375
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Canberra $18Brisbane $24
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Batemans Bay Overnight Kayak Camping Tour from Canberra - All Inclusive: $513
- Building and Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $12
- Canberra - Murrumbateman Private Group Winery Tours: $522
- Canberra - Southern Highlands Winery Tour: $422
- Capture Canberra Photography Tours: $371
- Day Tour from Canberra to Batemans Bay - with Oyster Tasting Kayak Tour: $178
- Day Tour from Canberra to Batemans Bay With Indigenous Experience: $180
- Private Canberra Secrets Highlights Tour: $789
- Skip the Line: Telstra Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $5.93
- Ultimate Museum Experience | Tour + Dine + Shop (10am daily): $51
Typical Entertainment prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- 4-Day Jewels of the Outback Gemstone Hunting Tour from Brisbane: $1,577
- 5-Day Cunnamulla Outback Wildlife Backpacking Tour from Brisbane: $948
- 5-Day Outback Farm and Wildlife Experience from Brisbane: $1,936
- Bay Island Tour - Scenic Flight: $271
- Best Of Brisbane Day Tour incl. Lone Pine - Half Day Private Customised tour: $197
- Boutique Brisbane to Cairns Australian east coast tour - 8 Day small group: $2,689
- Brisbane Day in the Country Full-Day Small-Group Tour with Lunch: $249
- Brisbane Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit: $61
- Brisbane to Moreton Island Return Ferry & Adventure Day Pass: $86
- Full-Day Byron Bay Tour: $280
- Guided River Kayak Tour: $47
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCanberra $16Brisbane $51
Typical Alcohol prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Bar$9.31
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $123
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $144
Typical Alcohol prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
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Evening at the Bar$9.97
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Sixpack of Beer$9.31
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Guiness Beer$5.65
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Sixpack of Beer$8.63
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- Deluxe Wine Tasting Tour Mt Tamborine Includes 2 course Lunch: $94
- Morning or Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $111
- Mt Tamborine Wine Tour: $119
- Brisbane Half-Day Private Brewery Tour: $119
- Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $119
- Northern Rivers food & Wine Tour from Brisbane: $119
- Two Day xxxx Brewery and Tamborine Winery Tour: $198
- Private Full Day Wine Tour from Brisbane to Tamborine Mountain: $474
When comparing the travel costs between Canberra and Brisbane, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
When is the best time to visit Canberra or Brisbane?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Canberra or Brisbane in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Brisbane.
In the summer, Canberra is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Canberra in January are around 20°C (68°F), and Brisbane is about 25°C (77°F).
Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Canberra usually receives less rain than Brisbane. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryCanberra 20°C (68°F)Brisbane 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Brisbane in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Brisbane.
In April, Canberra is generally cooler than Brisbane. Temperatures in Canberra average around 17°C (63°F), and Brisbane stays around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Canberra usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Brisbane. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilCanberra 17°C (63°F)Brisbane 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Brisbane in the Winter?
Both Brisbane and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Canberra is cooler than Brisbane in the winter. The temperature in Canberra is usually 11°C (52°F) in July, and Brisbane stays around 15°C (59°F).
In July, Canberra usually receives less rain than Brisbane. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyCanberra 11°C (52°F)Brisbane 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Brisbane in the Spring?
Both Brisbane and Canberra during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Canberra is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Canberra in October are around 15°C (60°F), and Brisbane is about 21°C (69°F).
Canberra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Brisbane. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberCanberra 15°C (60°F)Brisbane 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Brisbane and Canberra
| Canberra | Brisbane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
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