What is the Cost of Living in Gold Coast? Make Your Budget!

The beautiful beaches and multiculturalism are just some of the features that make the Gold Coast one of the favorite destinations for international students. If you’re planning to move to this city, keep reading and find out what is the cost of living in Gold Coast.

Being one of Australia’s most touristy cities, Gold Coast offers its residents a wide range of prices. So you can adjust your budget depending on your lifestyle.

It’s time to crunch the numbers! Read this article about the cost of living in Gold Coast, have your calculator handy, and find out how much you need to save to make this dream come true. Gold Coast awaits you!

*Note that all prices are approximate and may vary over time.

What is the Cost of Living in Gold Coast?

Gold Coast is a city located on the east coast of Australia, in the state of Queensland. It is renowned for its subtropical climate and wonderful surfing beaches, making it the most visited city in the Aussie country throughout the year.

Its atmosphere is very youthful, and relaxed, and plans are always oriented towards outdoor activities and barbecues among friends.

As in most destinations, knowing the exact cost of living in Gold Coast depends on various factors, including the area you live in, your monthly expenditure on services, your lifestyle…

However, a general budget would range between 1,000 AUD and 1,400 AUD per month. The figure may seem a bit high but remember that you can study and work at the same time.

That said, let’s talk in detail about the cost of living in Gold Coast:

Cost of Rent in Gold Coast

To begin with, you must consider that the cost of living in Gold Coast is measured per week. That is, the rent for a room must be paid weekly. In general, prices for accommodation in Gold Coast are:

Currently, Gold Coast has more than 500,000 inhabitants, which is why the city has many neighborhoods. Below, we recommend some neighborhoods or areas of Gold Coast to live in:

Surfers Paradise

Located in the city center, it is considered the entertainment hub on Gold Coast. If you like living in a busy place where there is constant movement, Surfers Paradise is for you!

Additionally, this neighborhood has a good job market because it is full of establishments, especially in the hospitality sector.

Broadbeach

Also located in the city center, this neighborhood is right next to the beach. Furthermore, it has a wide range of restaurants, pubs, cafes, hotels, and therefore, it has a good job market. It is a lively area where sports facilities take center stage.

Burleigh Heads

This neighborhood is located in the south of Gold Coast and is a residential area. It is considered one of the most popular areas of the city to live in because of its atmosphere, landscapes, and good vibes.

If you prefer a relaxed life without much hustle and bustle, Burleigh Heads is what you’re looking for.

Main Beach

Located to the north of the city, it is considered the favorite neighborhood for wave lovers. In this neighborhood, you can find a variety of restaurants and cafes with sea views. It is a quiet place, perfect for spending time with your partner or family.

Inner Suburbs

We know! Much is said about the areas near the beaches, but in Gold Coast, you can also find good neighborhoods inland. Some of our recommendations are:

• Broadbeach Waters
• Mermaid Waters
• Burleigh Waters

These neighborhoods are a 15-minute drive from the beaches and have much cheaper rents than other neighborhoods.

Cost of Food in Gold Coast

We bring you good news: food on Gold Coast is not as expensive as in other Australian cities! If you do your weekly shopping at supermarkets like Woolworths or Aldi, and if brands are not your priority, you can make a purchase that costs you between 30 AUD and 50 AUD.

Other ways to reduce food costs in Gold Coast include working in restaurants or event organizing, as meals are generally included in these. Likewise, you can share this expense with someone else and thus save a few dollars.

Cost of Utilities in Gold Coast

When talking about the cost of living in Gold Coast, you must know the price of utilities. These mainly depend on the area you are living in. Here are the approximate prices for the services necessary to live in this city:

• Electricity, Water, and Gas: 90 AUD
• Fixed Internet: 60 AUD
• Mobile Data Plan: 30 AUD

Cost of Transportation in Gold Coast

The main means of transportation in Gold Coast are the tram and the bus. The tram has 16 stations throughout the city and operates from 5:00 am to 12:00 am on weekdays. However, on weekends, it operates almost 24 hours a day.

As for the bus, the company Surfside has several lines throughout the city. However, if you want to visit the parks or villages on the outskirts of the city, taking a bus can be a problem as there are not many units in service.

What is the cost of living in Gold Coast if you want to move around by public transport? Whether by tram or bus, you need a Go Card to travel. This card is rechargeable, costs 10 AUD, and with it, you pay 30% less than the original cost for each trip.

However, if you are not a fan of public transport, you should know that bicycles are also used as a means of transportation on the Gold Coast. Throughout the city, you will find bike paths where you can ride without any danger.

And if you’re wondering about the cost of taxis, a ride can cost you between 25 AUD and 50 AUD.

Cost of living in Gold Coast for Leisure and Recreation Activities

As we’ve told you, Gold Coast is a vibrant city, full of plans for both its residents and tourists. That’s why it’s not easy to get bored; rather, you have a long list of places to visit. Here’s the cost of living in Gold Coast taking some leisure activities into account:

• Tuesday cinema outing: 10 AUD
• Grabbing a coffee: 4 AUD
• Eating at a fast-food restaurant: between 12 AUD and 17 AUD
• Having a beer: 9 AUD
• Visiting Burleigh Heads National Park: between 30 AUD and 70 AUD

Live your next adventure on the Gold Coast with GrowPro! 

Now you know about the cost of living in Gold Coast, are you excited to embark on an unforgettable adventure with GrowPro? Sure you are! Fill out the form below, and wait for a Student Advisor’s call, your guide on this journey.

Your Student Advisor will help you choose a course and a school that suits what you are looking for, explain what you need to move, and show you what life is like in Gold Coast. And don’t worry about visa procedures, at GrowPro, we take care of them!

We hope all the information we shared with you about the cost of living in Gold Coast has been useful. Now, the next step is up to you. What are you waiting for to live the best experience of your life? Contact us now!