Blue skies, sunshine, and days spent on the sandy beaches of Queensland’s coast are just some of the perks that are drawing more people to take up life on the Gold Coast. One of the strongest growing regions in Australia, interstate moves to the Gold Coast have been steeply and steadily rising since 2017.
The popular city has a host of benefits and attractive advantages that may have you keen to move. Before calling up your interstate removalists, however, the cost of living here is something you should consider. Here are some of the key areas where you might notice a difference in living costs between the Gold Coast and other parts of Australia:Salary
Salaries vary hugely depending on a wide variety of factors, so let's just look at the average amounts. Across Australia, the average monthly salary comes in at just over $5k, with the Gold Coast average coming in slightly lower, just below the $5k mark. This may not seem like a major discrepancy, but it may be worth looking into the figures in your industry or profession. Whether you will be transitioning between businesses or working remotely for your current employer after the move, your salary should be considered in line with your estimated living expenses and output.
Housing
Buying and renting both come in pricier in the Goldie than the rest of the country. Here, renters can expect to spend, on average, roughly 43% of their income on rent, with rental prices outnumbering those in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. If you want to purchase property here, then this will also set you back more than in other cities, regardless of whether you want to live centrally or further away. This will also vary based on the areas you’re house-hunting in; Surfers Paradise, Mermaid Beach, and Broadbeach Waters are some of the city's more expensive areas, while Pimpama, Coomera, and Ormeau Hills are more affordable spots to call home.
The good news is that bills, utilities, and internet all come in cheaper here than elsewhere in Australia, saving you a handy sum each month. Don’t let the higher housing costs spook you though, and think of what you can gain from living the laid-back lifestyle that Gold Coasters are accustomed to. Depending on your preferences, weekends spent on the beach might be worth the price!Transport
For plenty of people, no matter where they live, transportation costs are something we forget to consider when weighing up budgets. For those thinking of purchasing a car when they arrive in the Gold Coast, you will likely pay marginally more than elsewhere. This goes both for the once-off purchase of a new car, and for the ongoing spend on petrol. More eco and budget-conscious travelers who opt to use public transport can sit back and relax on trains, buses, and trams, paying significantly less than the national average on monthly passes. One-way tickets are more expensive though, so be sure to buy the right type to save on transport.
Food and beverages
The comparison of grocery costs between the Gold Coast and other Aussie cities sways from food group to food group, coming in at around 6% lower when combined. If you have dietary requirements or preferences, this difference might not be quite the same, so bear that in mind when you hit the supermarket!
On the topic of food, if you’re keen to dine out and experience the cuisine of the Gold Coast, it shouldn’t set you back any more than other cities in Australia. Alcohol also costs much the same comparatively to retail and restaurant or bar pricing elsewhere.Leisure
When it comes to your spare time, how much you spend depends on how you spend it! The fitness lifestyle is ever-popular among the Gold Coast population, and memberships run at slightly higher costs than in other locations. For the days you’d rather spend relaxing, the cinema costs about the same as what you’re probably used to.
An important thing to note on the Gold Coast is the weather. Victorians moving with our international movers Melbourne team will be pleasantly surprised, as well as Sydneysiders who have taken our guide on moving from Sydney to the Gold Coast to the next step. When you’re used to spending winter days seeking solace indoors and spending money on entertainment, the Goldie offers better weather, Burleigh Heads Beach, and Snapper Rocks for free.