Cost of Living: Gold Coast vs Wollongong (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Gold Coast and Wollongong, Australia.
The Verdict
Wollongong is $4,864/year cheaper than Gold Coast. You need to earn approximately $8,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Gold Coast compared to Wollongong.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Gold Coast | Wollongong | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $520 | $430 | Wollongong |
| Rent (2br/week) | $670 | $560 | Wollongong |
| Groceries/week | $125 | $118 | Wollongong |
| Utilities/month | $235 | $245 | Gold Coast |
| Transport/month | $185 | $190 | Gold Coast |
| Internet & Phone/month | $105 | $105 | Tie |
| Petrol/litre | $1.96 | $1.99 | Gold Coast |
| Median house price | $900,000 | $920,000 | Gold Coast |
| Median unit price | $620,000 | $610,000 | Wollongong |
| Cost of living index | 85 | 81 | Wollongong |
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 Wollongong saves you $4,864 per year compared to Gold Coast. That is $405/month or $94/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gold Coast or Wollongong cheaper to live in?
Wollongong is cheaper to live in than Gold Coast by approximately $4,864 per year. Wollongong has a cost of living index of 81 compared to 85 for Gold Coast (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Gold Coast compared to Wollongong?
You need to earn approximately $8,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Gold Coast compared to Wollongong.
Is rent cheaper in Gold Coast or Wollongong?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $520/week in Gold Coast and $430/week in Wollongong. Wollongong is cheaper for rent by $90/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Gold Coast or Wollongong?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $125 in Gold Coast and $118 in Wollongong. Wollongong is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Gold Coast or Wollongong?
The median house price in Gold Coast is $900,000 compared to $920,000 in Wollongong. 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.