Best Areas to Live in Brisbane
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Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a small compact and gives out a relaxing vibe due to the welcoming and amicable nature of the locals. Brisbane is a livable, affordable, warm, pleasant, and city favorable for students to live and study as an abroad destination.
Is Brisbane a student city?
Brisbane is a safe city for students to live and study when considering study abroad. As per the Numbeo Safety Index, it ranks 142 of 461 safe cities globally.
Brisbane is a culturally diversified city welcoming over 50,000 international students worldwide. It is home to two main universities, namely, The University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology. It also has 10 campuses from 6 of the universities in Australia, including Australian Catholic University, Griffith University, and CQUniversity. Each campus is known for modern facilities, strong academic programs, and student support services. Whether you’re into engineering, arts, business, or health sciences, you’ll likely find a course that fits your interests in Brisbane.
Is Brisbane expensive?
Brisbane is comparatively low in cost of living as compared to big cities like Sydney and Melbourne. It is lower in cost of living, whether it’s food, student accommodation in Brisbane, or transportation. The cost of living in Brisbane will be A$1,800 to A$3,500/ month, whereas student housing in Brisbane will range between A$200 to A$600/ week. However, the expenses will depend on your lifestyle. Transportation is another area where you can save. The city’s well-connected bus, train, and ferry network makes it easy to get around affordably. Students often qualify for concession fares, further reducing costs. While you’ll still need to budget wisely—considering things like utilities, phone bills, and entertainment—Brisbane’s overall expense level remains manageable for many students, especially when compared to Australia’s larger cities.
What are the best areas to live in Brisbane?
If you are a student looking for the best places to stay in Brisbane, there are a few of them, which we will list in detail about the area. You can have a look into each of the areas that are close to your university and other factors that you think are important as per your needs and requirements.
Alderley
Distance from CBD: About 7 km north of the Brisbane CBD.
Universities in and around the area
- QUT Kelvin Grove (by bus or train)
- The University of Queensland (accessible via connecting transport)
Alderley is a residential suburb often favored by students who crave a bit more space and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s well-connected to central Brisbane through trains and buses, allowing you to reach major universities within 20–30 minutes. Local shops, cafés, and lush parks like Grinstead Park give the area a friendly neighborhood vibe. Rent can be relatively cheaper here compared to inner-city suburbs, making it appealing if you’re looking at your budget. The community is tight knit, so you’ll likely get to know your neighbors.
Wilston
Distance from CBD: Roughly 5 km north of the Brisbane CBD.
Universities in and around the area
- QUT Kelvin Grove (short drive or bus ride)
- The University of Queensland (reachable with transfers)
- Griffith University
- Australian Catholic University
Wilston is known for its tree-lined streets, charming Queenslander homes, and a lively café scene along Wilston Village. Students who choose Wilston appreciate the suburb’s blend of old-school architecture and modern amenities. It’s quieter than bustling inner-city suburbs, yet still offers easy access to the CBD through regular train and bus services. You’ll find a mix of families, professionals, and students here, creating a balanced community environment. If you’re looking for friendly neighbors, relaxed weekends, and a reliable commute to campus, Wilston could check all your boxes.
Ascot
Distance from CBD: Approximately 7 km north-east of the city center.
Universities in and around the area
- QUT (Gardens Point or Kelvin Grove via bus/train)
- UQ St Lucia (accessible via ferry or bus connections)
- Royal Holloway University of London
- The Sixth Form College Farnborough
Ascot is often associated with a more upscale lifestyle, famously home to the Eagle Farm Racecourse and beautiful, leafy streets. While rent might be on the higher side, the suburb offers a safe and sophisticated environment. Students who pick Ascot usually value its peaceful atmosphere, boutique shops, and proximity to the Brisbane River. Regular train service from Ascot station makes commuting to university manageable, and the area’s cafés provide study-friendly spots. If you’re looking for a serene setting close to the river and don’t mind a slightly higher cost of living, Ascot could be a perfect fit.
Paddington
Distance from CBD: Around 2 km west of the Brisbane CBD.
Universities in and around the area
- City of Westminster College
- University of London
Paddington is famous for its trendy shops, vintage boutiques, and eclectic nightlife. It’s a popular choice among students who enjoy a vibrant social scene but also want to be close to nature, thanks to nearby parks and hilly landscapes offering sweeping city views. Public transport is reliable, and you can quickly hop on a bus to reach the CBD or your university campus. Paddington’s rental market can be competitive, but you’ll find everything from charming shared Queenslander homes to modern apartments. Its cafe culture is also top-notch, making it easy to find a cozy corner to study or unwind.
Newmarket
Distance from CBD: About 5 km north-west of Brisbane’s CBD.
Universities in and around the area
- Franklin University
- Northpoint Bible College
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Saint Anselm College
Newmarket is an increasingly popular suburb among both locals and international students, noted for its well-rounded mix of urban conveniences and leafy residential areas. You’ll find supermarkets, cinemas, and various dining options at Newmarket Village, making day-to-day life quite convenient. Public transport connects regularly to the city, taking you to major campuses in under half an hour. The presence of parks and sports facilities also means there’s plenty to do outside of lectures. If you appreciate a balance of convenience, greenery, and a sense of community, Newmarket might be just the right place to call home.
South Brisbane
Distance from CBD – It is approximately 1.6 km
Universities in and around the area – Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, South Bank Campus and Griffith University
South Brisbane is a multicultural hub and popular suburb among students studying at Griffith University. It has an easy transportation system to the CBD, making it convenient to travel to and fro the city. The reason for its popularity is tranquil riverside location blends with a thriving art, food, fashion, market scene, and stunning parklands. There are affordable student accommodation, too, such as Scape Merivale Brisbane.
Brisbane City
Universities in and around the area – The University of Queensland, the Queensland University of Technology, QUT Gardens Point Campus, UQ Business School
It is the central business district and suburb of Brisbane, with most top universities situated in the center. There’s easy access to the transportation system to get anywhere within the city and its regional areas. The area is lively, with many entertaining spots and outdoor sites to spend some time and relax. Even student housing is budget-student friendly, like the Student One Elizabeth Street Brisbane, Student One Adelaide Street, Student One Wharf Street.
Herston
Distance from CBD – It is approximately 2.5 km north of CBD
Universities in and around the area – University of Queensland, Herston campus, QUT’s Kelvin Grove campus and James Cook University
Herston is an inner suburb in the city that is another ideal and best location for students. It has a strong community feel and support with many professionals and student population. It is a quiet area with easy access to social amenities and a transport system to the city and its neighborhood area. One of the best student apartments in Brisbane is Unilodge Herston Brisbane.
Saint Lucia
Distance from CBD – It is approximately 6 km
Universities in and around the area – Cromwell College, The Women’s College (University of Queensland) and QUT Gardens Point Campus
St Lucia is a suburb that’s home to The University of Queensland. It has the largest student population in Brisbane, with proximity to shops, transport, units, and the CBD. It is affordable in terms of housing, with Student Living Gailey Brisbane being one of the popular choices among students.
Kelvin Grove
Distance from CBD – It is approximately 3 km
Universities in and around the area – Kelvin Grove Campus and Queensland University of Technology
It is a suburb with a family population, making it safe to live as a student. If you are looking for a suburban feel to live in and get away from the hustle and bustle of life, this is a good area. It is well-connected to transport links to get to the city center too. One of the best student accommodations in this area is 5 Moy St. Brisbane.