Cost of Living: Gold Coast vs Melbourne (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Gold Coast and Melbourne, Australia.
The Verdict
Gold Coast is $480/year cheaper than Melbourne. You need to earn approximately $1,000 less per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Gold Coast compared to Melbourne.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Gold Coast | Melbourne | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $520 | $520 | Tie |
| Rent (2br/week) | $670 | $680 | Gold Coast |
| Groceries/week | $125 | $125 | Tie |
| Utilities/month | $235 | $260 | Gold Coast |
| Transport/month | $185 | $195 | Gold Coast |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $110 | Gold Coast |
| Petrol/litre | $1.96 | $1.98 | Gold Coast |
| Median house price | $900,000 | $1,050,000 | Gold Coast |
| Median unit price | $620,000 | $620,000 | Tie |
| Cost of living index | 85 | 89 | 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 $480 per year compared to Melbourne. That is $40/month or $9/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gold Coast or Melbourne cheaper to live in?
Gold Coast is cheaper to live in than Melbourne by approximately $480 per year. Gold Coast has a cost of living index of 85 compared to 89 for Melbourne (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Melbourne compared to Gold Coast?
You need to earn approximately $1,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Melbourne compared to Gold Coast.
Is rent cheaper in Gold Coast or Melbourne?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $520/week in Gold Coast and $520/week in Melbourne. Melbourne is cheaper for rent by $0/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Gold Coast or Melbourne?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $125 in Gold Coast and $125 in Melbourne. Melbourne is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Gold Coast or Melbourne?
The median house price in Gold Coast is $900,000 compared to $1,050,000 in Melbourne. 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.