Gladstone, a coastal city in Queensland, Australia, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial growth. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning a visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Gladstone, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $13.01 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $58.53.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.41.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $7.15, imported beer $5.85, cappuccino $3.25, and Coke/Pepsi $3.25.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.04 per liter on average.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $1.63 on average.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $3.25.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.93 per kg, while oranges average $6.44 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $1.46 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.89 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.56.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly public transport pass is priced at $54.29.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.05 and $1.27 per liter.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $780.42.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $780.42.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1170.63 to $1365.74, averaging $1268.18.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1300.7 to $1430.77, averaging $1365.74.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $97.55.
  • Internet - Internet services average $50.4, with prices ranging from $48.78 to $52.03.
Worldwide
Australia

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Australia are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Australia, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 5 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$13.01
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$58.53
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$10.41
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.15
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.85
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.25
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.60
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.25
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.04
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.63
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.25
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.02
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.52
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$11.71
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.30
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$32.78
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.02
Apples (1kg)
$2.93
Oranges (1kg)
$6.44
Potato (1kg)
$1.46
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.89
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.17
Tomato (1kg)
$3.84
Banana (1kg)
$2.28
Onion (1kg)
$2.34
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$15.61
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.56
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$54.29
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.16
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$780.42
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$780.42
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,268.18
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,365.74
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$97.55
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$50.40
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$26.01
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$57.23
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$22.76
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$12.68
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$5,166.67
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
5%
Childcare
Avg / Range
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$4,552.45
Gladstone Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Gladstone offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Australian cities, with moderate housing and dining costs.

Transportation and utilities are reasonably priced, making it a practical choice for families and individuals alike.

Grocery prices are competitive, though some items like oranges and beef can be on the higher side.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gladstone provides a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and reasonable daily expenses.

Its cost structure makes it an attractive option for those seeking a coastal lifestyle without the high costs associated with major urban centers.