Have you ever considered relocating from Sydney's bustling harbour life to Brisbane's sun-soaked shores but don’t know where to start? Brisbane’s distinctive metropolitan lifestyle and sultry climate, combined with its generally lower cost of living, are enticing people to venture north. If you, like many others, have found yourself wondering, ‘Should I move to Brisbane?’ We’re here to help.
This guide will help you not only understand the pros and cons of moving to Queensland's sparkly capital but also show you how to navigate the transition from NSW to QLD. Covering everything from booking interstate removalists to adjusting to life in the Sunshine State, we’ve got you covered. Whatever your reason for relocating, whether for work, seeking a change of pace, or just looking for a fresh start, this guide will help you make the transition as smooth as possible.
New Possibilities
Brisbane is slowly emerging as the intelligent choice for many Australians and expats. Offering the perfect blend of urban amenities, outdoor lifestyle, and more achievable homeownership, here are some of the top benefits of living in Brisbane:
Cost of Living in Brisbane
Many potential benefits come with relocating to Brisbane, but perhaps the largest pull of them all is the city’s cost of living. Whilst Sydney offers a premium lifestyle, this comes at a price. For individuals looking to achieve a more well-rounded lifestyle, Brisbane can give them the chance to attain a high quality of life for less money. This cost of living disparity is most evident in the difference in Brisbane’s house pricing compared to Sydney. In Brisbane the median house prices come in at roughly 400,00 dollars cheaper than those in Sydney (REA), making it a paradise for those who are hoping to jump on the property ladder or upsize their home.
Lifestyle
Another major benefit that comes with moving from Sydney to Brisbane is the lifestyle change. Relocating to Brisbane can offer a slower pace of life many desire, pushing value on things such as outdoor activity and a family-centred lifestyle. With a more reasonable cost of living, Brisbane has also found that balance between metropolitan vibrance and affordability. Brisbane's relaxed lifestyle also means that residents are experiencing far less burnout, which may be the reason that Brisbane saw the highest internal migration rates out of all Australian major cities between 2022-2023.
Weather
With a subtropical climate only experienced by Queensland's coastal regions, Brisbane also offers far warmer temperatures than that of Sydney. For those who wish to avoid the chilly winds and rain of winter, Brisbane’s warm weather is the perfect opportunity to escape to the sunshine.
Accessibility
Centrally located on the East Coast of Australia, another great reason to relocate to Brisbane is its accessibility to other regions along the coast. Whilst Sydney “has it all” with its combination of white sandy beaches and thriving urban city life, it can be easy to get caught up in a Sydney bubble due to its distance from other regions. Although a beautiful place to live in its own right, Brisbane’s relatively short commute to neighbouring regions such as Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and even Byron Bay make it a great central location for those who enjoy venturing out to other areas on regular occasions.
Considerations
Despite its advantages, it's important to also consider some potential drawbacks before making the move. Although in theory, the city's subtropical climate can appear a win, summers can be intensely hot and humid, with temperatures regularly climbing above 30°C. Moving in the winter months and taking the time to acclimatise may be better for adjusting to the heat of summer.
Additionally, Brisbane's public transport infrastructure, whilst improving, isn't as comprehensive as Sydney's extensive network of trains, buses, and ferries, making some areas less accessible without a car. However, this is something that the city is working on and public transport in Brisbane is currently far cheaper than Sydney. Equally, with a smaller population.
For the real lovers of Sydney's cosmopolitan buzz, one final thing to consider may be Brisbane's more relaxed atmosphere. The community-focused vibe and slower pace of life may feel slightly limiting whilst taking the time to adjust. Once adapted to a slower-paced life, however, having the time to enjoy the smaller moments should feel an advantage.
Taking The Next Step
Once you have weighed up all your options and advantages for moving to Brisbane from Sydney, understanding the practicalities of making that transition can be confusing. That’s where the help of expert interstate removalists can make your life much easier. Before anything else, reaching out and getting interstate moving company quotes will help to create an understanding of how much a move such as this can cost. Also, take some time to truly understand what to look for when choosing the right interstate removalists for you. Once you have picked removalists you can start to structure a budget for your move.
How Much Does It Cost To Move To Brisbane?
Budget is a key consideration factor for anyone when planning a big move such as this. Speaking with professional removalists can help clarify how much it will cost to move all your belongings from Sydney to Brisbane including various services such as packing and wrapping that you may have not thought about. There are a few various aspects that you should account for when considering the cost of moving:
- If you need particularly fragile belongings such as antiques moved
- If access to either your pick up or drop off destination are particularly difficult to get to
- Will you be moving with any pets?
- Will you be flying there or driving there?
- Do you need a consolidated or VIP Service? (big moves or quick turnaround will usually need a VIP service)
- If you are moving a car, that will be an additional cost
- Is it worth investing in a premium removalist company to do the job
Whilst it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option available when moving, it is important to consider the implications of doing such a thing. A cheap move doesn’t always mean a cost effective move, as many issues such as breakages and delays can occur when an interstate relocation is not done properly. When looking for interstate removalists, you want to find movers that are professional and AFRA-accredited, to ensure certain standards are met and the move runs smoothly to avoid unforeseen costs later down the line, due to broken belongings or damaged houses due to an improper move.
Flying Vs. Driving
With expert removalists taking care of moving your belongings, getting yourself there is your next big consideration. When moving from Sydney to Brisbane you have two main options: flying or driving. Understanding which option is best for you can help create a much smoother transition on your interstate journey.
Firstly, how much does it cost to drive from Sydney to Brisbane?
Driving from Sydney to Brisbane is no small journey. Covering roughly 900 km over 11 hours, it will take around two days of consistent driving with one stopover to reach your new home. Of course, there are multiple routes, through various scenic towns that could add to the length of your journey, but for the most straightforward route, the cost of driving alone can easily be around $250. On top of this, you will also want to consider the cost of a room for the night which at the cheapest can cost around $100, inevitably increasing the price. Coming in at roughly $350 - $400 minimum, driving is a fairly cheap way of getting from Sydney to Brisbane. However, the long drive and overnight stay may not be suitable for those in a time crunch.
How much does it cost to fly from Sydney to Brisbane?
Although, definitely the fastest solution for getting from Sydney to Brisbane, flying is certainly not the cheapest. With flights ranging anywhere from $150 - $500 plus baggage cost, the flights alone are more than likely a more expensive route to take. However, with professional removalists taking care of your belongings, you do not have to worry about the additional costs of baggage. Therefore, for those with less time to complete their move, flying will automatically be the best option.
If you have pets or a car, you’ve probably also already considered how relocation would work with them. If you’re choosing to fly from Sydney to Brisbane, expert removalists can help you also transfer your fur babies and vehicles to their destination securely. When speaking with your removalists, make sure to inform them of all your needs and they will often be able to organise this all for you, to create a smooth transition to your new home.
Storage
One of the final key factors to consider when planning your move from Sydney to Brisbane is understanding your storage options. The best interstate removalists will also offer premium storage solutions to suit your needs. Choosing the right storage for your belongings means that if there are delays in settling or if you have a gap between your move out and move in dates, your items are held safely with no need for double handling to avoid loss, damage or confusion.
The Move
Once a thorough plan has been made, including the transportation of your belongings and how you will get to your new living destination, all that is left is to begin setting up your new life in Brisbane. Here are a few simple final steps that need to be done during this time:
- Begin changing over your address for bills and deliveries
- Notify utility providers in advance
- Apply for a new QLD drivers licence & make sure to change over your rego
- Take care of important documents like ID, medical docs etc
- Set up for when packers arrive (if you are using packing services)
Try to plan as early as possible and make sure to book your interstate removalist well in advance, to avoid last-minute rushes before moving. An interstate move should be done with care and precision, which is why expert removalists and storage solutions are essential in your planning.
If you are not using packing services, make sure to pack and label clearly to avoid confusion when it comes to unpacking. Following clear packing guides will help to reduce the stress of packing up your different spaces.
Moving interstate is not an easy task, but by taking the time to consider these important factors, you can ensure that your move will be stress-free and straightforward. Choosing the right interstate removalists to help you on your way will make the journey to your new home one you enjoy.
Get a quote today for your move from Sydney Brisbane or give us a call on 1300 465 569 and speak to one of our moving experts to find out more.
