Top 10 cheap suburbs close to Brisbane’s CBD in 2024
For renters, Brisbane’s got a bit expensive, but living close to Brisbane’s CBD doesn’t have to break the bank in 2024. While the city’s rental landscape may have seen some changes, there are still hidden gems offering affordable housing options without compromising on convenience.But that’s where any bad news ends. It’s still a great city, with many incredible suburbs to call home. The city is booming with more events, more great restaurants, and more things to do. A big country town it is not.
For those seeking a bargain rental close to the city, there are still a few great options. If you widen your search away from hotspot suburbs like West End, Newstead, and Yeronga, you can find some lovely little rentals in some great spots. So, to help you find the perfect pad, we’re going to show our top 10 cheap suburbs close to the city, updated for 2024.
What are we looking at here?
Both cheap and close can be relative. It depends on your own personal preferences, income, and needs. To keep this consistent for the sake of the list we will be looking at suburbs ranging from 2km, up to 30km away from the CBD. Plenty of suburbs 30km from the CBD can still have a quick 30-minute bus or train ride in, so we’ll consider them close enough.
In terms of cost, Brisbane is still a landlord’s market at the time of updating this article for 2024. So, if you compare Brisbane now to how it was pre-COVID, things may not look cheap. So, we’ll be considering the prices compared with other suburbs in 2024 as well as weighing up proximity to amenities. Think of it as the best bang for your buck list.
Nathan
Nathan, nestled in the southern region of Brisbane, is renowned as the location of Griffith University’s Nathan campus. The suburb showcases a harmonious mix of older and newer residences, characterized by its lush, tree-lined streets and inviting parks.
The Nathan train station makes city adventures a breeze, and the suburb is dotted with friendly bus routes too. Get ready to explore some fantastic parks like the sprawling Nathan Campus Parkland, perfect for strolls and playtime, and the lively Nathan Campus Sporting Fields.
- Median rent price for houses: $525 per week / Median rent price for units: $425 per week
Moorooka
Moorooka, on Brisbane’s southside, has a wide variety of homes. From expensive luxury homes to cheap small apartments. You can find the perfect place to live here. At only 8kms from the Brisbane CBD this is an accessible suburb with a great train connection.
Within the suburb are some convenient shops and a ton of parks. Major shopping centre, Westfield Garden City, is only a short car trip away.
In terms of costs, you’ll be able to find small apartments for around $500, and houses around $600 according to Realestate.com.au (if you are curious on howmuch it costs to list your property on Realestate.com.au, click here). Of course, that’s the average. Meaning there are plenty of hidden gems under that price to be found throughout the suburb.
- Median rent price for houses: $600 per week / Median rent price for units: $497 per week
Salisbury
Salisbury, situated in the southern part of Brisbane, stands out for its diverse community, particularly attracting young families drawn to its affordable housing options. The suburb boasts a blend of residential and industrial zones, featuring various parks and recreational facilities, including the picturesque Toohey Forest with delightful walking trails suitable for both children and adults.
Experiencing a gentrification trend, Salisbury is witnessing the emergence of craft breweries, trendy hotels, and artisanal dining establishments. With convenient access to the city through the Salisbury train station, this suburb becomes an ideal choice for those commuting to the CBD via public transport.
- Median rent price for houses: $550 per week / Median rent price for units: $500 per week
Logan Central
30km out from the CBD we’ve got Logan Central. This suburb is located in Brisbane’s neighbouring city of Logan. It’s a suburb that in the past has had a poor reputation, however, it has since been slowly gentrifying. Logan Central’s position is unmatched, with it being right on a major train line, surrounded by beautiful bushland, and hosting Logan’s art gallery.
In terms of prices, this suburb has houses for around $480 per week. It’s a suburb with a lot of variety and opportunities for families.
- Median rent price for houses: $480 per week / Median rent price for units: $350 per week
Redbank
Out in Brisbane’s west along the banks of the Brisbane River, there’s a suburb called Redbank. Located 21km away from Brisbane’s CBD this suburb is well-connected. With a major rail line, highway, and buses you can get anywhere in Brisbane with ease. When it comes to shopping if you keep heading west you’ll find loads of opportunities at Ipswich, alternatively Mount Ommaney Centre is only a short drive to the north east.
You’ll find a wide variety of homes available in Redbank. There’s townhouses available for around $430 per month, or 4 bedroom houses for $530. In Redbank, there are hidden gems galore.
- Median rent price for houses: $500 per week / Median rent price for units: $400 per week
Rocklea
Rocklea has a welcoming community, ample parking, and is generally a peaceful area. With the ever popular Rocklea Markets on your doorstep, you won’t be short of affordable grocery options. The suburb also offers exceptional parks and recreation facilities, with places like Rocklea Riverside Park being a great example. Rocklea is also only a 10-15 minute train ride from Brisbane, offering plenty of convenience.
- Median rent price for houses: $445 per week / Median rent price for units: $367 per week
Stafford
If you want to be close to everything, Stafford is a great option. It has its own small shopping centre for your day-to-day shop, but for your bigger shopping needs, you’re halfway between Queen Street Mall and Westfield Chermside. You can get to either with ease on a bus.Investment property in this area is also on the rise, but despite this, Stafford is still affordable.
When it comes to price, Stafford has a lot of variety depending on where you are in the suburb. But you can find some great hidden gems. There are houses for around $610 per week, and townhouses for even less.
- Median rent price for houses: $610 per week / Median rent price for units: $500 per week
Slacks Creek
Located on Brisbane’s south side, 22km from the CBD, is Slacks Creek. This suburb has a lot of great amenities around it. With a major shopping centre, the Logan Hyperdome down the road, and an Ikea a few minutes to the north. In terms of connectivity, Slacks Creek has a few buses that travel into the city, taking about 30 minutes to complete their journey.
You’ll also find some hidden gem rentals at a great price. Townhouses are going on average for $400 per week. While larger houses can be found for $500 per week on average.
- Median rent price for houses: $500 per week / Median rent price for units: $390 per week
Clayfield
Clayfield, located in Brisbane’s inner north is an extremely well connected suburb filled with surprisingly affordable rentals. Located next to the emerging dining scene at Nundah, excellent shopping at Airport DFO, and on a major train line, Clayfield is filled with amenities galore.
The great thing about Clayfield is that the price is great for the level of amenities. You get a lot of bang for your buck. You’ll find 2 bedroom apartments for $475 per week, many for even less.
- Median rent price for houses: $800 per week / Median rent price for units: $475 per week
Annerley
Living in Annerley offers a sweet spot between suburban tranquility and city convenience. Nestled just four kilometers away from the bustling heart of Brisbane CBD, Annerley residents certainly get easy access to the city. Commuting is a breeze with road and rail public transport options readily available. The neighborhood boasts a well-connected network of bus routes, particularly along Annerley Road, ensuring frequent and efficient transportation.
Beyond its strategic location, Annerley is celebrated for its vibrant shopping scene along Ipswich Road. This bustling strip showcases a mix of small businesses, second-hand stores, an antiques centre, and cozy cafes, making it a local hotspot for both essentials and leisurely strolls.
- Median rent price for houses: $672 per week / Median rent price for units: $480 per week
Conclusion
While the market in Brisbane may still be hot in 2024, that doesn’t mean you can’t find some great cheap rentals. By looking in some of the above suburbs you’ll quickly find a few places that offer both a great price in a suburb with great amenities. Give it a go and see what you can find.
For more advice on securing a rental contact Link Living.
