Rental pressure is not only a personal experience. Recent affordability data, rental listings and tenancy information help show why international students in Brisbane face a smaller set of realistic housing choices.

What the data shows

The realestate.com.au Rental Affordability Report 2026 found that rental affordability had fallen to its lowest level since at least 2008. A typical-income Australian household could afford just 37 per cent of advertised rentals over July to December 2025.

The report also found that median advertised rents in Brisbane had increased by $270 per week since the start of the pandemic. For students with fixed budgets, this means the rental search is not only about finding a listing, but finding one that is actually workable.

37% of advertised rentals were affordable for a typical-income household in Australia.

Lowest since 2008 Rental affordability has fallen to its lowest level since records began.

+$270/week Brisbane median advertised rents have risen since the start of the pandemic.

Why this matters in Brisbane

For international students, affordability is only one part of the problem. Many students need to live within reach of campus, public transport and part-time work. A cheaper room farther away may appear affordable online, but it may not be realistic if the commute is too long, too costly or unsafe at night.

This is why the students in this project describe a smaller “realistic” rental market: not all available housing is actually workable housing.

Why location matters

The students interviewed for this project described housing decisions shaped by transport, campus access and limited support networks. Cindy does not have a car, so she cannot simply move farther away to find cheaper rent. Grace stayed near university but accepted a less comfortable shared house to stay within budget. Bella’s experience shows how newly arrived students also need to understand leases, bond, inspections and applications while searching for somewhere to live.

Together, their experiences show how rental data becomes everyday pressure: longer commutes, crowded rooms, rushed decisions and repeated moves.

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Tenancy information and support

Students who experience rental problems in Queensland can contact QSTARS, a free statewide advice and referral service for Queensland renters. QSTARS is managed by Tenants Queensland and provides tenancy advice and support.

The Residential Tenancies Authority also provides official information about renting in Queensland, including bond management, tenancy information, dispute resolution and education services.

Sources used on this page

This page uses rental affordability data, tenancy support information, original interviews and visual observation. Rental listing screenshots are used as visual context only. Specific addresses, phone numbers and private details have been removed or avoided.