Cost of Living: Adelaide vs Gold Coast (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Adelaide and Gold Coast, Australia.
The Verdict
Adelaide is $5,960/year cheaper than Gold Coast. You need to earn approximately $10,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Adelaide compared to Gold Coast.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Adelaide | Gold Coast | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $420 | $520 | Adelaide |
| Rent (2br/week) | $540 | $670 | Adelaide |
| Groceries/week | $115 | $125 | Adelaide |
| Utilities/month | $240 | $235 | Gold Coast |
| Transport/month | $160 | $185 | Adelaide |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $105 | Tie |
| Petrol/litre | $1.90 | $1.96 | Adelaide |
| Median house price | $780,000 | $900,000 | Adelaide |
| Median unit price | $450,000 | $620,000 | Adelaide |
| Cost of living index | 79 | 85 | Adelaide |
How Much More Do You Need to Earn?
Check exactly what you take home with our take-home pay calculator.
Which City is Cheaper — Category by Category
Net Difference in Annual Costs
Living in Adelaide saves you $5,960 per year compared to Gold Coast. That is $497/month or $115/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adelaide or Gold Coast cheaper to live in?
Adelaide is cheaper to live in than Gold Coast by approximately $5,960 per year. Adelaide has a cost of living index of 79 compared to 85 for Gold Coast (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Gold Coast compared to Adelaide?
You need to earn approximately $10,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Gold Coast compared to Adelaide.
Is rent cheaper in Adelaide or Gold Coast?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $420/week in Adelaide and $520/week in Gold Coast. Adelaide is cheaper for rent by $100/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Adelaide or Gold Coast?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $115 in Adelaide and $125 in Gold Coast. Adelaide is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Adelaide or Gold Coast?
The median house price in Adelaide is $780,000 compared to $900,000 in Gold Coast. Adelaide has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.