Brisbane is a diverse coastal city known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Brisbane and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, enjoying the nightlife, or relaxing on the beaches.
How much does it cost to travel to Brisbane?
You should plan to spend around $153 (AU$236) per day on your vacation in Brisbane. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $53 (AU$82) on meals
- $17 (AU$27) on local transportation
- $161 (AU$249) on hotels
A one week trip to Brisbane for two people costs, on average, $2,137 (AU$3,304). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,068
AU$1,652
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,137
AU$3,304
-
One Month
Per person
$4,579
AU$7,080
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,137
AU$3,304
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,273
AU$6,608
-
One Month
For a couple
$9,157
AU$14,160
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Brisbane cost?
A one week trip to Brisbane usually costs around $1,068 (AU$1,652) for one person and $2,137 (AU$3,304) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Brisbane on average costs around $2,137 (AU$3,304) for one person and $4,273 (AU$6,608) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Brisbane will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Brisbane on average costs around $4,579 (AU$7,080) for one person and $9,157 (AU$14,160) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Brisbane expensive to visit?
Brisbane is a small yet inviting coastal city that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Brisbane can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $54 (AU$81) per day, mid-range travelers spend $156 (AU$236) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $520 (AU$786) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Brisbane.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Brisbane is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Wollongong or Whitsundays.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Brisbane Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Brisbane?
The average Brisbane trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Brisbane travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Brisbane cost?
Brisbane on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$26
(AU$40)
|
$80
(AU$124)
|
$286
(AU$442)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$6
(AU$9.97)
|
$17
(AU$27)
|
$50
(AU$77)
|
|
Food 2
|
$19
(AU$29)
|
$53
(AU$82)
|
$171
(AU$265)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$9
(AU$14)
|
$24
(AU$36)
|
$67
(AU$103)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$9-26
(AU$14-41)
|
$25-75
(AU$39-116)
|
$78-234
(AU$121-362)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Brisbane on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $54 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Brisbane has plenty of hostels like Bunk Brisbane, YHA Brisbane City, and Summer House Brisbane. At these hostels, you can find affordable dorm beds and a vibrant social scene, but amenities tend to be quite limited.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A trip to Brisbane wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $156 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Brisbane is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Kingsford Smith Motel is a solid choice for families, while Edward Lodge also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Brisbane here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $520. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the coastal city means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Brisbane Private Escape Room Quest for Wand of Illumination - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Brisbane
In Brisbane, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $95 and peak summer season rising to an average of $177. Prices typically range from $70 to $254, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Brisbane for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $161 (AU$249). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $80 (AU$124) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Brisbane? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Brisbane include:
- Kingsford Smith Motel starting at $100
- Il Mondo Boutique Hotel starting at $145
- Royal Albert Hotel starting at $113
- Johnson Road Motel starting at $111
- Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane starting at $109
Thanks to Brisbane's great public transit, staying outside the coastal city is an option to save on accommodation, but be prepared for the trade-off of extra transportation costs.
Families visiting Brisbane will find that choosing accommodations with more room can make their trip much more comfortable.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Brisbane, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.
Transportation Budget in Brisbane
Brisbane's public transit system connects to several major sights. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around. To save money and travel efficiently, public transport is a good option if it's near your location, but taxis and rideshares are always around for convenience.
Anyone who enjoys a good walk to discover their surroundings will love it here. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $17 (AU$27) per person, per day, on local transportation in Brisbane. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Brisbane is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$17
AU$27
If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport to Noosa for 1 to 3 people for $271 details
- Private Airport/Resort Luxury Transfers for $107 details
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Arrival Private Transfer for $34 details
How much does it cost to go to Brisbane? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Brisbane will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Brisbane, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.
-
Airtrain to the City
AU$15
-
Go Card
AU$25
Food Budget in Brisbane
The food and cuisine in Brisbane is good, but not enough to draw visitors specifically for the restaurants. You'll find a few gems around the coastal city that are worth visiting. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Brisbane can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Brisbane is $53 (AU$82) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$53
AU$82
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Brisbane is around $55 (AU$82) per person, with previous travelers spending from $19 to $175. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Brisbane are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $22
- Dinner: $16 to $38
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
As a large, cosmopolitan city, there is no shortage of dining options for all preferences and budgets. Asian food is plentiful but you will also find Italian, German, and Middle Eastern options. Bistros, burger joints, cafes, and delis are all readily available in most neighborhoods. Fine dining options are also abundant and there are some unique dining experiences available in Brisbane if you do some research in advance.
If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Brisbane, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Dinner on the Edge with Vertigo Brisbane for $165 details
- Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge! For $129 details
- Guided Food Tour with Coffee, Seafood and Wine for $582 details
Typical food prices in Brisbane, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
-
Hamburger Lunch
AU$8.00
-
Cup of Coffee
AU$3.00
-
Chinese Food Lunch
AU$13
-
Ice cream
AU$5.50
-
Japanese Meal
AU$21
-
Smoothie
AU$6.50
-
Japanese Soup
AU$12
-
Coffee & Muffin
AU$7.00
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Brisbane
It's not a shock that Brisbane draws crowds, as it is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Brisbane typically cost an average of $24 (AU$36) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$24
AU$36
There are a handful of places to visit in Brisbane so consider how much time you have and create yourself an itinerary. Just outside of town is the Queensland Zoo. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a great place to visit as well. Also consider going by the Manly Boat Harbour, Queensland Cultural Centre, and City Botanic Gardens, all of which make for an interesting place to stop off. Other places of interest include South Bank, New Farm Park, Manly Boat Harbour, and Mt. Coot-tha among many others.
There is no shortage of activities in Brisbane. The walls along the Brisbane River are popular with rock climbers. The views across the river are great as well. The town has several farmers markets that are fun to explore and pick up some fresh produce. It's also fun to take a boat cruise along the river. The music scene is also excellent in Brisbane. Pick up an entertainment magazine while you're in town to find out what's going on. Popular events and festivals in town include the Brisbane Festival, the Royal Queensland Show, the Greek Paniyiri Festival, and the St George Brisbane International Film Festival.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Brisbane have earned worldwide fame. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.
Beaches:
People travel to Brisbane in droves to relax on the stunning beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an experience not to be missed. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Brisbane. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane for $56 details
- Trevena Glen Farm Animal Experience for $16 details
- Brisbane City Art and Design Walking Tour for $184 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Brisbane. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
Nightlife Budget in Brisbane
In Brisbane, the nightlife is always buzzing with activity, and visitors delight in spending their nights at the local bars, clubs, and parties. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $50 (AU$77) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Brisbane per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$50
AU$77
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Brisbane. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch for $131 details
- Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour for $105 details
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour for $131 details
Here are some typical drink and nightlife prices in Brisbane, drawn from the experiences of past travelers. These costs can give you a general sense of what to expect, though your own spending will differ based on how often you enjoy alcoholic beverages and how much you consume. Remember, one of the most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is to limit alcohol consumption.
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Evening at the Bar
AU$15
-
Sixpack of Beer
AU$14
-
Guiness Beer
AU$8.50
-
Sixpack of Beer
AU$13
Traveling in Brisbane
Brisbane skyline
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.
Brisbane's climate is humid subtropical. The summers are hot and humid while the winters are dry and warm. The city's close proximity to the Coral Sea means that it has little temperature variation throughout the year. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorms are common between the months of November and March and severe storms may include hail and strong winds.
Neighborhoods & Around
There are a good number of districts throughout Brisbane, many of which have something interesting to offer visitors. The Central Business District, in addition to having much of the city's businesses, also has some great shopping and several historic sites. South Bank has the highest concentration of ethnic restaurants as well as the Performing Arts Centre and Queensland Museum among other things. Fortitude Valley has Brisbane's interesting Chinatown area as well as some great nightlife and lively bars. West End is a bohemian district with lots of interesting cafes and shops. New Farm is a more upscale area for eating and shopping. Portside Wharf is where the cruise ships dock on the Brisbane River. It has high end dining and boutique shopping options. Paddington offers many local boutiques and some great restaurants. Mount Coot-tha, Sunnybank, and Bulimba are all suburbs outside of the central business district with some good restaurants and markets.
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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.