Cost of Living: Brisbane vs Gold Coast (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Brisbane and Gold Coast, Australia.
The Verdict
Gold Coast is $260/year cheaper than Brisbane. You need to earn approximately $1,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Brisbane compared to Gold Coast.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Brisbane | Gold Coast | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $530 | $520 | Gold Coast |
| Rent (2br/week) | $680 | $670 | Gold Coast |
| Groceries/week | $120 | $125 | Brisbane |
| Utilities/month | $240 | $235 | Gold Coast |
| Transport/month | $180 | $185 | Brisbane |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $105 | Tie |
| Petrol/litre | $1.95 | $1.96 | Brisbane |
| Median house price | $920,000 | $900,000 | Gold Coast |
| Median unit price | $560,000 | $620,000 | Brisbane |
| Cost of living index | 86 | 85 | Gold Coast |
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 Gold Coast saves you $260 per year compared to Brisbane. That is $22/month or $5/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brisbane or Gold Coast cheaper to live in?
Gold Coast is cheaper to live in than Brisbane by approximately $260 per year. Gold Coast has a cost of living index of 85 compared to 86 for Brisbane (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Brisbane compared to Gold Coast?
You need to earn approximately $1,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Brisbane compared to Gold Coast.
Is rent cheaper in Brisbane or Gold Coast?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $530/week in Brisbane and $520/week in Gold Coast. Gold Coast is cheaper for rent by $10/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Brisbane or Gold Coast?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $120 in Brisbane and $125 in Gold Coast. Brisbane is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Brisbane or Gold Coast?
The median house price in Brisbane is $920,000 compared to $900,000 in Gold Coast. Gold Coast has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.