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