Cost of Living in Queensland (2025-2026)
The cost of living in Queensland is 98% of the national average (Australia average = 100). Housing, utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare costs all contribute to the overall cost of living index.
Quick Answer
The cost of living in Queensland is 98% of the Australia average. Housing costs 98% of the national average, utilities 100%, food 100%, transportation 100%, and healthcare 92%.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of living in Queensland is 2% lower than the Australia national average (index: 98 vs. 100).
- Housing in Queensland is 2% less expensive than the national average.
- A salary of A$78,000 in Queensland has the purchasing power of about A$79,592 in an average-cost Australia area.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Queensland Index | Australia Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 98 | 100 | -2% |
| Housing | 98 | 100 | -2% |
| Utilities | 100 | 100 | 0% |
| Food | 100 | 100 | 0% |
| Transportation | 100 | 100 | 0% |
| Healthcare | 92 | 100 | -8% |
Base: Australia average = 100. Values above 100 indicate above-average costs.
Calculate Your Budget in Queensland
Use our free calculators to estimate your salary, mortgage, and taxes in Queensland.
Queensland Cost of Living Overview
The cost of living in Queensland is 98% of the national average, meaning residents pay approximately 2% lower for goods and services compared to the typical Australia household.
For context, a household earning the Queensland average salary of A$78,000 per year has an effective purchasing power of about A$79,592 when adjusted for national cost differences.
Housing Costs in Queensland
Housing is typically the largest expense for households, and in Queensland it is 2% below the national average (index: 98).
Use our mortgage calculator to estimate monthly payments based on current interest rates and home prices in Queensland.
Utilities, Food, and Transportation in Queensland
Beyond housing, the main cost categories in Queensland are:
Utilities (index: 100): Below the national average by 0%. Food (index: 100): 0% below the national average. Transportation (index: 100): 0% below the national average. Healthcare (index: 92): 8% below the national average.
Salary vs. Cost of Living in Queensland
The relationship between salary and cost of living is essential for financial planning. The average salary in Queensland is A$78,000 per year. When adjusted for the cost of living index of 98, this salary provides a standard of living equivalent to earning approximately A$79,592 in a typical Australia city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Queensland?
The cost of living in Queensland is 98% of the Australia average, meaning expenses are 2% lower than the typical household.
How much does housing cost in Queensland?
Housing in Queensland has a cost index of 98 (national average: 100), making it 2% less expensive than the national average.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Queensland?
Based on the cost of living index of 98, you would need approximately A$79,592 in Queensland to maintain the same standard of living as the national average salary.
How does Queensland cost of living compare to other regions?
Queensland's cost of living index of 98 places it lower than the Australia national average.
Sources
- Government statistics, Australia
- Cost of living research data, Australia
- National real estate data, Australia
Last updated: June 2026