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Where to Find the Cheapest Rent in Brisbane (2025 Update)

February 25, 2025
Why Brisbane for International Students

Key takeaways:

  • Cheapest Rent in Brisbane: Rocklea, Chermside, and Salisbury offer the most affordable rentals.
  • Vacancy rates are low at 0.8%, pushing rental prices up.
  • Suburbs with cheaper rent still offer good transport and amenities.
  • Act fast—rental demand is rising, making competition tough.

Looking for the cheapest rent in Brisbane?

You’re not alone. Brisbane’s rental market has become more expensive, making it harder to find affordable homes.

Vacancy rates are at a record low of 0.8%, meaning fewer homes are available, and prices keep rising.

The median rent for houses is now around $600 per week, while units cost about $500 per week. So, finding Brisbane rental properties is harder and the available ones are much more expensive.

But don’t worry—some suburbs still offer lower rents. If you’re searching for a budget-friendly place to live, this guide will help you find the best areas to start your search.

SuburbMedian House RentMedian Unit Rent
Rocklea$560 per week$390 per week
Chermside$600 per week $595 per week
Hemmant$700 per week N/A
Salisbury$630 per week $390 per week
Lutwyche$622 per week $550 per week
Kedron$675 per week$520 per week
Wilston$700 per week $540 per week
Greenslopes$650 per week $525 per week
Source: yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au

These suburbs offer a mix of affordability and amenities, making them worth considering in your search for the cheapest rent in Brisbane.

Brisbane’s Most Affordable Suburbs for Rent

Rocklea, QLD

Why Brisbane for International Students
Apartment for rent in Moorooka, near Rocklea QLD
  • Median house rent: $560 per week
  • Median unit rent: $390 per week

Rocklea is one of Brisbane’s cheapest rental suburbs, offering affordable homes close to the city. The area is mainly industrial but has a strong sense of community.

  • Close to major roads like Ipswich Motorway
  • Has parks like Fauna Parade Park
  • Regular public transport to the CBD

If you’re looking for cheap rent near Brisbane’s city centre, Rocklea is worth considering.

Discover more properties for rent in Roocklea.

Chermside, QLD

Why Brisbane for International Students
House for rent in Chermside, QLD
  • Median house rent: $600 per week
  • Median unit rent: $595 per week

Chermside is a popular northern suburb with great public transport and shopping. It’s slightly more expensive than Rocklea but offers a more urban lifestyle with lots of amenities.

  • Home to Westfield Chermside, Brisbane’s largest shopping centre
  • Several parks and bike paths for outdoor lovers
  • Great public transport options with bus links to the city

For renters who want city convenience without inner-city prices, Chermside is a great option.

Discover more properties to rent at Chermside QLD 4032.

Hemmant, QLD

Why Brisbane for International Students
House for rent at 30 Oswald Street, Hemmant, QLD
  • Median house rent: $700 per week
  • Median unit rent: N/A

Hemmant is an eastern suburb located near the Brisbane River, offering larger homes with more space. While houses here are pricier, you get a quieter lifestyle with easy access to the city.

  • Close to Wynnum and Manly waterfronts
  • Has a mix of residential and industrial areas
  • Train station with direct city access

If you’re after more space but still need quick city access, Hemmant could be a good fit.

Discover more properties for rent at Hemmant QLD 4174.

Salisbury, QLD

Why Brisbane for International Students
House for rent at 156 Douglas Road, Salisbury, QLD
  • Median house rent: $630 per week
  • Median unit rent: $390 per week

Salisbury is an up-and-coming suburb with a mix of old and new homes. It’s known for being family-friendly and affordable compared to nearby areas.

  • Close to Toohey Forest, great for walking and cycling
  • Diverse community with lots of cafes and shops
  • Train station for easy commuting

Salisbury offers affordable units and houses while still being close to the city.

Discover more properties for rent in Salisbury.

Lutwyche, QLD

Why Brisbane for International Students
House for rent at 101/19 Lowerson Street, Lutwyche, QLD
  • Median house rent: $622 per week
  • Median unit rent: $550 per week

Lutwyche is an inner-north suburb offering good transport and lifestyle perks. While houses are on the pricier side, unit rents are still affordable for the area.

  • Busway station for fast access to the city
  • Kedron Brook Bikeway for cycling and walking
  • Lots of cafes, gyms, and shopping options

If you want inner-city convenience at a reasonable price, Lutwyche is a solid choice.

Discover more properties for rent at Lutwyche QLD 4030.

Kedron, QLD

Cheapest Rent in Brisbane
House for rent at 32 Eleventh Ave, Kedron, QLD
  • Median house rent: $675 per week
  • Median unit rent: $520 per week

Kedron is a family-friendly northern suburb known for its parks, schools, and easy city access.

  • Home to Kedron Brook Parklands
  • Easy access to Airport Link Tunnel
  • Plenty of schools and childcare centres

For renters looking for a mix of convenience and greenery, Kedron is a great pick.

Wilston, QLD

Cheapest Rent in Brisbane
House for rent at 21147057/24 Colton Avenue, Lutwyche, QLD
  • Median house rent: $700 per week
  • Median unit rent: $540 per week

Wilston is an inner-city suburb with a village atmosphere and high-end cafes. It’s more expensive, but offers a great lifestyle.

  • Trendy cafes and restaurants
  • Close to Newmarket Shopping Centre
  • Good public transport with train and bus links

Wilston is perfect if you want a stylish inner-city lifestyle at a lower price than the CBD.

Greenslopes, QLD

Why Brisbane for International Students
House for rent at 1/58 Earl Street, Greenslopes, QLD
  • Median house rent: $650 per week
  • Median unit rent: $525 per week

Greenslopes is a southern suburb with good transport, parks, and hospitals. It’s great for professionals and students needing quick city access.

  • Close to Greenslopes Private Hospital
  • Well-connected by buses and bike paths
  • Home to Hanlon Park and walking trails

For renters looking for a balance of affordability and convenience, Greenslopes is a top choice.

Discover more properties for rent at Greenslopes QLD 4120.

Finding the Best Rental in Brisbane

With rising rents and limited availability, it’s important to act fast when you find a good deal. Set up alerts, book inspections quickly, and be ready to apply.

Want to make your search easier? Soho can help you find the cheapest rent in Brisbane with personalised listings.

💡 Browse properties now or download our app to get tailored rental suggestions!

And of course, when you’re ready for your big move, you can enlist the help of trusted Brisbane removalists to make sure the process goes smoothly.

FAQs About ‘Cheapest Rent in Brisbane ‘

How much is rent in Brisbane?

The median unit rent in Brisbane City is $720 per week, based on 1,610 rental listings over the past year. This reflects a 6% increase, with rental demand rising by 46%.

What is the cheapest suburb to rent in Brisbane?

Some of the cheapest suburbs for rent in Brisbane include Rocklea, Chermside, Salisbury, and Darra. These areas offer more affordable rental options compared to the city centre.

Where is the cheapest housing in Queensland?

The cheapest suburbs for houses in Queensland are Collinsville ($165,000), Charleville ($175,000), and Tara ($178,000). These areas have some of the lowest median house prices in the state.

What is the lowest-income suburb in Brisbane?

The suburbs with the lowest median personal incomes in Greater Brisbane are:

  • Southern Moreton Bay Island – $455 per week
  • Logan Central – $476 per week
  • Wacol – $485 per week

These suburbs also had lower income growth than the citywide average between 2011 and 2021.

What is the most liveable suburb in Brisbane?

Brisbane’s most liveable suburbs in 2025 include:

  • Ascot – Prestigious and family-friendly
  • Paddington – Heritage charm and vibrant culture
  • Alderley – Connected community living
  • Windsor – Historic charm with modern conveniences
  • New Farm – Riverside living with high-end amenities

How much do you need to live comfortably in Brisbane?

Estimated monthly living costs in Brisbane are:

  • $1,889.40 per person (excluding rent)
  • $6,693.30 for a family of four (excluding rent)

Soho
Soho is your expert team in Australian real estate, offering an innovative platform for effortless property searches. With deep insights into buying, renting, and market trends, we guide you to make informed decisions, whether it's your first home or exploring new suburbs.
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