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The Gold Coast, a vibrant coastal city in Queensland, Australia, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse recreational activities. As a popular destination, before migrating to the Gold Coast, as an expat student, you should be familiar with the average cost of living in Gold Coast to ensure that you can budget properly and live comfortably there.
For students planning to live in the Gold Coast city, estimating your essential expenses effectively is important for a comfortable stay there. Curious about the average cost of living in Gold Coast City? Read on for key insights and detailed information on the living expenses on the Gold Coast. Let’s dive in!
This Blog Includes:
- Cost of Living in Gold Coast
- Cost of Accommodation in Gold Coast
- Costs of Dining in Gold Coast
- Cost of Grocery in Gold Coast
- Cost of Utilities in Gold Coast
- Cost of Transportation in Gold Coast
- Average Tuition Fees in Gold Coast
- Cost of Living Comparison: The Gold Coast vs Other Cities
- FAQs on Cost of Living in Gold Coast
Cost of Living in Gold Coast
The average cost of living in Gold Coast for international students is around AUD 1,543 per month without rent, according to numbeo data. Although the cost of living on the Gold Coast may be lower than in some other cities in Australia, you can still enjoy a high quality of life, excellent amenities, and access to various cultural and recreational opportunities there.
Below, we have provided a general overview of the typical cost of living in Gold Coast for international expats across different categories. Which includes utility bills, house rent, personal expenses, travel passes, food and grocery costs. Below, we provide an overview of the average cost of living in Gold Coast for various categories for students who are thinking of living in this vibrant city. Please have a look:
Also Read: Cost of Living in Barcelona: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities
Cost of Accommodation in Gold Coast
The cost of rental housing in the Gold Coast for a single person is around AUD 2,237 per month. There are various accommodation options available for expats according to their budget and lifestyle. Before relocating to the Gold Coast, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and comparison of apartment rental prices across different areas to ensure they align with your budget and requirements.
The cost of accommodation in the Gold Coast covers the major portion of the cost of living in Gold Coast We have gathered average housing cost information for various apartments located both within and outside the city centre, for your convenience. Please review this data to determine the most suitable option for your needs.
| Apartment Location | Monthly Rent |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | AUD 2,237 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | AUD 2,128 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | AUD 3,500 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | AUD 2,987 |
Costs of Dining in Gold Coast
Dining out in the Gold Coast can be a delightful experience, but it’s essential to budget accordingly as restaurant prices are around 8.89% higher than the Australian average. The Gold Coast is renowned for its diverse culinary options, ranging from must-try restaurants to lively nighttime markets. The Gold Coast offers many budget-friendly eateries for those seeking affordable yet delicious meals.
Eating out in the Gold Coast can be more expensive than cooking in your room and can affect your budget for the cost of living in Gold Coast. You can savour various cuisines, from tasty street tacos to aromatic dahls, all without overspending. Whether you prefer high-end dining or casual bites, the Gold Coast has something to satisfy every palate and budget. Here’s a rough estimate of the average cost of a meal at restaurants in Durban:
| Type of Restaurant | Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant |
| Meal for 2 person (in a Mid-range Restaurant) | AUD 120 |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | AUD 21 |
| Equal meal. to McDonald’s | AUD 15 |
| Cappuccino | AUD 5.38 |
Cost of Grocery in Gold Coast
Grocery expenses are a daily necessity for students who choose to cook at home, and their food choices will determine their grocery expenses in the Gold Coast. These expenses play a significant role in the overall cost of living in Gold Coast.
It is advisable to compare prices among various stores or vendors to ensure suitable value according to your budget and requirements before purchasing groceries from the Gold Coast market. Below is a list of grocery items along with their respective costs.
| Grocery Item | Approx. Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | AUD 1.87 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | AUD 3.83 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | AUD 2.94 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | AUD 5.48 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | AUD 12.17 |
| Apples (1kg) | AUD 4.61 |
| Banana (1kg) | AUD 4.11 |
| Oranges (1kg) | AUD 4.23 |
| Tomato (1kg) | AUD 7.70 |
| Potato (1kg) | AUD 3.33 |
| Onion (1kg) | AUD 3.38 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | AUD 3.83 |
Cost of Utilities in Gold Coast
For a single person, the basic utility costs are around AUD 220 per month in the Gold Coast. This is a relatively lower expense, especially considering the overall cost of living in Gold Coast city. These utility bills typically cover heating, electricity, gas, a mobile phone plan, and internet service. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical utility costs for international students living in the Gold Coast :
| Utility Type | Approx. Monthly Cost |
| Basic Utility for 40m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | AUD 220 |
| Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data) | AUD 55.25 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Leicester: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities
Cost of Transportation in Gold Coast
the Gold Coast boasts a highly convenient and affordable transportation system in Australia, which makes it easy for students to travel around the city. The city offers a variety of local transport options, including trains, buses, boats, heavy rail and ferries.
The monthly cost for a transportation pass in the Gold Coast is around AUD 90, making it a notable part of the overall cost of living in Gold Coast city. To gain a better understanding of the different transportation options and their associated monthly costs, refer to the table below:
| Mode of Transport | Approx. Monthly Cost |
| One-way Ticket(Local Transport) | AUD 3.80 |
| Monthly Pass(Regular Price) | AUD 72.15 |
| Taxi Start(Normal Tariff) | AUD 6.00 |
| Taxi 1km(Normal Tariff) | AUD 2.60 |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting(Normal Tariff) | AUD 62.50 |
| 1-litre Gasoline | AUD 1.80 |
Average Tuition Fees in Gold Coast
The Gold Coast boasts a strong reputation for higher education, with three universities featured in the QS World University Ranking. Griffith University, a standout among them, is ranked 300th globally this year. Alongside this University, Bond University is ranked 481st, while Southern Cross University falls within the 701-750 range. These rankings enhance the Gold Coast’s position as the 93rd-best student city, according to the QS Best Student Cities ranking.
International students must also factor in their university tuition fees when considering the cost of living in Gold Coast. Before relocating, students must evaluate whether they can afford the average tuition fees of universities on the Gold Coast. To aid in this assessment, we’ve provided a table below outlining the average tuition fees at some of the Gold Coast’s universities:
| University Name | Average Tuition Fees (per year) |
| Griffith University | AUD 3,020 – AUD 96,690 |
| Bond University | AUD 10,000 – AUD 66000 |
| Southern Cross University | AUD 2,7000 – AUD 35000 |
| TAFE Queensland East Coast | AUD 5,850 – AUD 17,870 |
| TAFE Gold Coast | AUD 8,770 – AUD 26,710 |
| EIP Group | AUD 2,730 – AUD 4,780 |
Cost of Living Comparison: The Gold Coast vs Other Cities
When comparing the cost of living in Gold Coast to other Australian cities, several factors should be considered. the Gold Coast is well-known for its affordable housing and transportation costs, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Understanding how the cost of living in Gold Coast measures up against other cities is essential for making informed decisions about moving or long-term stays.
To provide a clear picture of how the cost of living in Gold Coast compares to major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, Perth and Australia we have gathered relevant data. Here’s a detailed comparison for better clarity:
| Cost of Living City Wise | Average Cost of living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Gold Coast |
| Cost of Living in Sydney | AUD 1,724 (excluding rent) | Higher than the Gold Coast |
| Cost of Living in Melbourn | AUD 1,584 (excluding rent) | Higher than the Gold Coast |
| Cost of Living in Brisbane | AUD 1,653 (excluding rent) | Higher than the Gold Coast |
| Cost of Living in Auckland | AUD 1627 (excluding rent) | Higher than the Gold Coast |
| Cost of Living in Perth | AUD 1,655 (excluding rent) | Higher than the Gold Coast |
| Cost of Living in Australia | AUD 1,660 (excluding rent) | Higher than the Gold Coast |
Overall, the cost of living in Gold Coast is comparable to other major Australian cities. While housing and groceries can be on the higher side, the city’s lifestyle, natural beauty, and amenities often justify the expense for many residents. Balancing these costs with the high quality of life and numerous outdoor activities makes the Gold Coast an attractive place to live.
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Gold Coast
Answer: The average cost of living in Gold Coast is around AUD 1,543 a month including rental costs. This means the cost of living for a student is decent compared to other cities in Australia.
Answer: Living in the Gold Coast is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Australia. The average cost of living in Gold Coast, excluding rental expenses, is around AUD 1,543 per month. This makes the Gold Coast a reasonably priced option, especially for students.
Answer: The rent in Gold Coast varies depending on the location within the city. For a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, the average rent is approximately AUD 2,237 per month. Conversely, renting a similar apartment outside of the city centre typically costs around AUD 2,128 per month.
Answer: Yes, the Gold Coast is cheaper than Sydney, because the cost of living in Gold Coast is around AUD 1543 without rent, while the cost of living in Sydney is around AUD 1724 without rent.
Answer: The Gold Coast is more affordable than Brisbane due to its lower cost of living, approximately AUD 1543 excluding rent, compared to the cost of living in Brisbane which is around AUD 1653 excluding rent.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Gold Coast. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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