Brisbane just keeps getting better with nine in ten residents saying the city is a great place to live, work and raise a family.
The 2025 Better Brisbane Index also shows people are more confident in our public transport, with fewer residents identifying congestion and infrastructure as major issues for the city’s future.
The results come as Brisbane’s New Bus Network and Brisbane Metro helped drive a 27 per cent increase in bus patronage over a two-year period, alongside the introduction of 50 cent fares.
The city’s latest liveability index found 92 per cent of residents rate their overall quality of life highly, compared with 77 per cent in Sydney and 82 per cent in Melbourne,
Nine in ten residents agree Brisbane is a great place to live and work (91 per cent) and a great place to raise a family (90 per cent).
Two thirds say Brisbane is a better place to live and work than five years ago.
Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s lifestyle capital continues to resonate, with 78 per cent of residents saying they would prefer to live in Brisbane than anywhere else in the country, up three percentage points on the previous survey in 2023/24.
The strong results come as new Compare the Market data revealed Brisbane has been ranked the world’s most family-friendly city, highlighting the city’s parks, outdoor lifestyle and strong safety record.
The Better Brisbane Index highlighted Brisbane’s year-round event calendar, with 90 per cent of respondents agreeing events help bring people together, up seven percentage points on the previous survey.
The index also captured key concerns of Brisbane residents, including cost-of-living, housing affordability and population growth.
Despite local governments receiving just three cents in every tax dollar, the Schrinner Council continues address these concerns through responsible financial management and careful planning for the future.
Brisbane residents continue to pay the cheapest rates in south east Queensland, while the latest mid-year budget review shows more investment in services and infrastructure across the suburbs.
The Schrinner Council’s anti-sprawl approach to housing is also encouraging the supply of more homes in the right places while protecting the character of Brisbane’s suburbs.
The 2025 Better Brisbane Index is now available to view online at brisbane.qld.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“Brisbane residents continue to rate our city significantly higher than residents in Sydney and Melbourne, reinforcing our growing reputation as Australia’s lifestyle capital.
“It’s no surprise Brisbane has also been named Australia’s most family-friendly city because our lifestyle, parks and outdoor spaces are second to none.
“At a time of nationwide cost-of-living pressures, we’re striking the right balance by spending within our means while continuing to invest in Brisbane’s suburbs.
“Brisbane Metro, our new bus network and permanent 50 cent fares are helping more people get around our city quickly and affordably.
“Bus patronage is already up 27 per cent, which shows how these changes easing congestion on our roads and keeping Brisbane moving.
“I’m incredibly optimistic about Brisbane’s future and we will continue to work day in and day out to make it even better.”
