Thinking of moving from Melbourne to Brisbane, but can’t decide on whether it’s the right move? Here are some features of the two cities that will give you insight and help you make an informed decision.
Moving from Melbourne to Brisbane
Which City is Right for You?
1. Cost of Schooling and House Prices
A benefit of moving from Melbourne to Brisbane is the more affordable cost of housing. The cost of property in Brisbane is less than in Melbourne. However, the gap is certainly not as wide as it used to be. The median house price for Brisbane today is $884,336 compared with Melbourne which is $964,950.
Other big-ticket items such as private school fees are lower as well. Fees for a top private school in Brisbane would be in the vicinity of $27,000 compared with $37,000 in Melbourne.
2. Family Friendly Lifestyle
Brisbane was rated as the 39th best city in the world to raise a family according to a 2020 global survey published in CEO World Magazine. On the other hand, Melbourne came in at number 50. Brisbane’s success was attributed to its safety, health, education, air quality, affordability, healthcare and family-friendliness. Brisbane offers families a relaxed lifestyle and this holds a lot of appeal for families wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
3. Weather
Brisbane is more humid and warmer in winter than in Melbourne. And the summer subtropical heat and humidity can take some getting used to. However, Brisbane’s warmer winters and perfect spring and autumn days are a major drawcard. If you prefer grey skies and four distinct seasons Melbourne is the place for you.
If you are considering moving to Brisbane from Melbourne, it’s a good idea to spend some time in Brisbane during summer to experience its full effects. Luckily most houses in Queensland are equipped to handle the hotter months. Brisbane homeowners should consider buying a home that features a pool, air-conditioning, breezeways and a non-west facing entertaining area.
Flooding is also an important consideration in Brisbane. As a Brisbane buyer’s agent we can assist you with flood due diligence. This will ensure you don’t purchase a home that is flood prone.
4. Geographical Size
Brisbane is smaller geographically and population-wise compared to Melbourne (2.5 million vs 4.9 million). However, there are plenty of benefits to living in a smaller city such as Brisbane. It’s easier and quicker to get around, there’s less traffic and less crowding and locals are less stressed overall. People who have lived in both cities generally agree that Brisbane is a friendly and easy city to live in. They would also agree that Melbourne is an exciting and fast-paced city with a more international and cultured atmosphere. Being a larger city, Melbourne is more multi-cultural with a diverse cultural and food scene.
5. Property
The style of houses in Brisbane differs considerably from the style of houses in Melbourne. ‘Queenslanders’ are a unique style of architecture common to Brisbane and distinguishes Brisbane’s suburbs from other capital cities. These raised classic timber and tin homes with verandas and gables are much loved for their character. The best part? They are generally renovated to suit modern day living. Queenslander homes built before 1947 cannot be demolished or removed. There are specific town planning laws regarding renovating them as well. Like Melbourne, brick homes are also a feature of the landscape in Brisbane. This style of home is usually found in middle ring suburbs that were developed from the 1970s and 1980s onwards. The varied brick Georgian, Victorian and Federation architecture that’s abundant in Melbourne is rarely seen in Brisbane.
6. Lifestyle
Melbourne has more of an “indoor” culture than Brisbane. The city is abundant with bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, galleries, museums, concerts and performing arts offerings. The weather has a lot to do with this.
On the other hand, Brisbane’s warm all year-round climate means that people spend more time outdoors at parks, going bike riding, hiking and swimming. Brisbane has 283 sunny days per year while Melbourne only has 48. So, it makes sense that these cities have completely different lifestyles.Some Brisbane families own weekenders and holiday homes up and down the coast. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast beaches are a home away from home for Brisbane residents. Noosa, Burleigh, Stradbroke Island and even Byron Bay are some of the favourite near destinations. Sport is big in both cities. But AFL and soccer are most popular in Melbourne and both forms of rugby are more popular in Brisbane.
7. Daylight Savings
A major difference families notice when moving from Melbourne to Brisbane is the lack of daylight savings. Queensland is the only place on Australia’s east coast that doesn’t wind the clock forward or back by an hour. And if you’re used to this extra hour of daylight, the change could take some getting used to.
Thinking About a Move from Melbourne to Brisbane?
Brisbane and Melbourne are both fantastic cities with different offerings and features. If you’re thinking about moving to Brisbane after reading this, we can help? As a specialist Brisbane buyer’s agent we’ve got the expertise to guide you on your new journey. Please contact us to see if Brisbane is the right city for you. If you loved our Brisbane vs Melbourne comparison, check out our blog on Moving to Brisbane.