Surfers Paradise, located on the Gold Coast of Australia, is a vibrant and popular destination known for its stunning beaches and lively atmosphere. Understanding the cost of living in this area is crucial for both potential residents and visitors.

The cost of living encompasses various aspects such as housing, dining, transportation, and groceries, which are essential for budgeting and financial planning.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $16.26 on average, with a range between $9.76 and $22.11.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $89.42, with prices ranging from $52.03 to $104.06.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.76, with a range between $9.76 and $11.06.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.9 to $9.1, imported beer $5.2 to $8.45, cappuccino $1.3 to $4.55, and Coke/Pepsi $1.95 to $2.93.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $0.78 and $2.6 per liter, averaging $1.63.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.24 and $4.23, with an average price of $2.29.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.6 to $5.2, averaging $4.29.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.95 to $3.9 per kg, while oranges range from $1.5 to $6.18 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.3 and $3.25 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.98 to $2.6 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $3.9.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.11 and $1.4 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.02, with a cost of $1.49 per km and $33.56 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1430.77 to $1625.88, averaging $1495.81.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $195.11 to $1300.7, averaging $845.46.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2406.3 to $3902.1, averaging $3186.72.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1560.84 to $2601.4, averaging $2254.55.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $97.55 and $249.21, averaging $177.25.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $39.02 to $65.04, with an average cost of $55.71.
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: Feb, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 14 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$16.26
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$89.42
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$9.76
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.80
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.80
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.70
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.28
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.57
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.63
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.29
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.29
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.21
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.27
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$13.01
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$5.01
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.93
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$28.62
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.67
Apples (1kg)
$3.32
Oranges (1kg)
$2.60
Potato (1kg)
$2.32
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.04
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.00
Tomato (1kg)
$4.03
Banana (1kg)
$2.74
Onion (1kg)
$2.25
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$14.96
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$3.90
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$32.52
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.16
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$28,890.51
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.02
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.49
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$33.56
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$23,900.37
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,495.81
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$845.46
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$3,186.72
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$2,254.55
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$177.25
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$55.71
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$29.07
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$62.30
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$13.66
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$13.01
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$71.91
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$53.49
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$101.78
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$100.87
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,057.51
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
6.35%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$1,684.59
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$8,712.19
Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast) Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Surfers Paradise offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.

Grocery prices are relatively moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being affordable.

Transportation costs are reasonable, especially for public transport, though owning a car can add to expenses due to fuel prices.

Housing in the city centre is more expensive compared to areas outside the centre, offering potential savings for those willing to commute.

Utilities and internet costs are in line with national averages, making them manageable for most residents.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, is reflective of its status as a popular tourist destination with a vibrant lifestyle.

While some aspects like dining and housing in the city centre can be pricey, there are opportunities to save by choosing more affordable options outside the centre and managing transportation and utility expenses wisely.

Overall, Surfers Paradise offers a balanced cost of living with a high quality of life, making it an attractive place for both residents and visitors.