Brisbane, Australia
Pros and Cons of Living in Brisbane
Last updated on Mar 20, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Brisbane, Australia include its warm climate, its proximity to the beach, its vibrant cultural scene, and its diverse range of outdoor activities. On the other hand, the cons of living in Brisbane include its high cost of living, its traffic congestion, and its vulnerability to natural disasters such as floods and cyclones.
What are the pros and cons of living in Brisbane?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Brisbane responded:
"Expats and digital nomads generally like Brisbane's warm and sunny climate, which allows for an outdoor lifestyle and various recreational activities. They appreciate the city's friendly and laid-back atmosphere, making it easy to socialize and make new friends. The city offers a good balance between urban amenities and natural attractions, with easy access to beaches, national parks, and wildlife reserves. Brisbane has a relatively low cost of living compared to other major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne, making it more affordable for expats and digital nomads. The city also has a well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to get around. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find Brisbane's job market to be less competitive and diverse compared to larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne. The city's nightlife and cultural scene may also be considered less vibrant and diverse compared to other major cities in Australia. Some expats and digital nomads may find the city to be too quiet and lacking in excitement, especially if they are used to living in larger, more cosmopolitan cities. Additionally, the city's public transportation system, while well-developed, may not be as extensive as those in other major cities, which could be a drawback for some," said one in Brisbane.
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What do expats in Brisbane appreciate most about the local culture?
"Not the culture but the country is beautiful and the wild life, birds, plants, trees, flowers are amazing. The fact we are no more than an hour from a beach," explained one expat living in Brisbane.
"The sun, blue skies and the outdoor lifestyle. Having a pool. Growing tropical plants and fruits. Having parrots in neighbouring trees. Living in thongs," said one expat in Brisbane.
"Expats in Brisbane appreciate the diverse culture and array of activities available in the city. Residents of Brisbane enjoy an array of outdoor activities, including beach activities, bushwalks and cycling. The city has a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene, with festivals celebrating music, food, art, and science. Expats also appreciate the temperate climate, which allows for year-round activities. Furthermore, Brisbane’s friendly and down-to-earth locals make it easy for new arrivals to settle in and call Brisbane home," said a person living in Brisbane, Australia.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do expats find most challenging?
"People's attitudes - very different to what I've been used to, and I still struggle. The majority of people in QLD have never left their state, let alone the country, yet it's regularly and loudly touted as the best country in the world. Immigrants are viewed with suspicion and there's a borderline aggressive nationalism. Image, money and coming first is everything, whatever anyone tells you about Aussie's laidback nature... Yep, I'm definitely still in the rejection of culture stage!," said a person living in Brisbane.
"Expats in Brisbane can find the local culture difficult to adjust to at first, as the laid-back attitude of the locals can take some getting used to. They can also find the slang used in everyday conversation to be a challenging barrier to entry, as well as learning the local time-frame for getting things done, which is often much more laidback and relaxed than in other places. Additionally, dealing with the humid climate and hot temperatures of Brisbane can take some getting used to for those who have come from other countries," explained one expat living in Brisbane, Australia.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Brisbane?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Brisbane?
- Will I be able to find a job in Brisbane?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Brisbane appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Brisbane?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Brisbane accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Brisbane like?
- How are healthcare services in Brisbane?
- What are medical services in Brisbane like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Brisbane?
- What are emergency services like in Brisbane?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Brisbane?
- How are local medical facilities in Brisbane?
- As a foreigner living in Brisbane, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
