Skyline of Gold Coast
Cost of Living: 86 709,571

Gold Coast, QLD, Australia

Australia's premier beach destination with world-class surf, theme parks, and a vibrant nightlife.

Updated July 11, 2026
Cost of Living 86

Below Average vs Australia avg (100)

Housing Index 92

Affordable

Median Income A$70,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.2%

Job market health

Gold Coast vs Australia Average

Cost of Living
Gold Coast: 86
Australia Avg: 100
Housing Index
Gold Coast: 92
Australia Avg: 100
Income Tax
Gold Coast: 32.5%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 32.5%
  • GST: 10.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: A$70,000
  • Unemployment: 5.2%
  • Population: 709,571

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 280/year
  • Summer High: 84°F
  • Winter Low: 52°F

Housing

  • Median Home: A$800,000
  • 1BR Rent: A$2000/mo

Cost of Living

Gold Coast's cost of living index is 86 (Australia average = 100).

CategoryGold CoastNational AverageDifference
Overall86100-14.0%
Housing92100-8.0%

Data source: ABS, Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceA$800,000
Median Rent (1BR)A$2000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)A$2,500/mo
Price per Sq FtA$533

Data source: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Gold Coast:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityA$170Based on ~900 kWh/month typical Australian household usage
Heating & CoolingA$2Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating (limited usage in mild climates)
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterA$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)A$65Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesA$292Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Gold Coast

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: A$2,400/mo.

Gold Coast Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: A$2,200/mo.

East Gold Coast

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: A$1,800/mo.

West Gold Coast

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: A$1,900/mo.

Remote Work Score

Gold Coast scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
86
Rent
A$2000
Sunny Days
280
Tax
32.5%
Unemployment
5.2%
Climate
84°F / 52°F

Climate

Gold Coast has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January72°F52°F2.5"
April69°F67°F2.8"
July84°F59°F1.5"
October64°F70°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 32.5%
  • GST: 10%
  • Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.2%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Gold Coast, QLD, Australia?

The cost of living index in Gold Coast is 86, which is Lower the Australia national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Gold Coast?

The median home price in Gold Coast is A$800,000. The housing index is 92.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Gold Coast is approximately A$2000/mo.

Does Gold Coast, QLD have income tax?

Gold Coast is in QLD, which has an income tax rate of 32.5%.

What is the climate like in Gold Coast?

Gold Coast enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,84°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.52°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
  • Income & Employment: ABS Labour Force Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 11, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.