Cost of Living: Perth vs Gold Coast (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of living costs between Perth and Gold Coast, Australia.
The Verdict
Gold Coast is $616/year cheaper than Perth. You need to earn approximately $1,000 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle in Perth compared to Gold Coast.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Category | Perth | Gold Coast | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1br/week) | $530 | $520 | Gold Coast |
| Rent (2br/week) | $700 | $670 | Gold Coast |
| Groceries/week | $125 | $125 | Tie |
| Utilities/month | $250 | $235 | Gold Coast |
| Transport/month | $175 | $185 | Perth |
| Internet & Phone/month | $108 | $105 | Gold Coast |
| Petrol/litre | $1.92 | $1.96 | Perth |
| Median house price | $780,000 | $900,000 | Perth |
| Median unit price | $470,000 | $620,000 | Perth |
| Cost of living index | 85 | 85 | Tie |
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 $616 per year compared to Perth. That is $51/month or $12/week.
Explore Each City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perth or Gold Coast cheaper to live in?
Gold Coast is cheaper to live in than Perth by approximately $616 per year. Gold Coast has a cost of living index of 85 compared to 85 for Perth (Sydney = 100).
How much more do you need to earn in Perth compared to Gold Coast?
You need to earn approximately $1,000 more per year (pre-tax) to maintain the same standard of living in Perth compared to Gold Coast.
Is rent cheaper in Perth or Gold Coast?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $530/week in Perth and $520/week in Gold Coast. Gold Coast is cheaper for rent by $10/week.
Are groceries more expensive in Perth or Gold Coast?
Weekly groceries for a single person cost $125 in Perth and $125 in Gold Coast. Gold Coast is cheaper for groceries.
Which city has cheaper property — Perth or Gold Coast?
The median house price in Perth is $780,000 compared to $900,000 in Gold Coast. Perth has cheaper property.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.