Travel Budget for Gold Coast Visit Gold Coast on a Budget or Travel in Style

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Gold Coast is a fun-filled coastline known for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Gold Coast and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.

How much does it cost to travel to Gold Coast?

You should plan to spend around $114 (AU$181) per day on your vacation in Gold Coast. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $45 (AU$72) on meals
  • $22 (AU$35) on local transportation
  • $106 (AU$169) on hotels

A one week trip to Gold Coast for two people costs, on average, $1,592 (AU$2,534). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $114
    AU$181
  • One Week Per person
    $796
    AU$1,267
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,592
    AU$2,534
  • One Month Per person
    $3,412
    AU$5,430
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,592
    AU$2,534
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,184
    AU$5,068
  • One Month For a couple
    $6,823
    AU$10,860
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Gold Coast cost?

A one week trip to Gold Coast usually costs around $796 (AU$1,267) for one person and $1,592 (AU$2,534) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Gold Coast on average costs around $1,592 (AU$2,534) for one person and $3,184 (AU$5,068) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Gold Coast will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Gold Coast on average costs around $3,412 (AU$5,430) for one person and $6,823 (AU$10,860) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Gold Coast expensive to visit?

Gold Coast is a terrific coastline that captivates many with its charm, appealing to a wide range of travel styles and budgets. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Gold Coast can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $48 (AU$78) per day, mid-range travelers spend $113 (AU$181) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $226 (AU$364) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Gold Coast.

Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Gold Coast is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Pacific for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Lake Tekapo, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Sydney.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Gold Coast Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Gold Coast?

The average Gold Coast trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Gold Coast travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Gold Coast cost?

Gold Coast on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$23
(AU$36)
$53
(AU$84)
$109
(AU$174)
Local Transportation 1 $10
(AU$15)
$22
(AU$35)
$42
(AU$67)
Food 2 $20
(AU$32)
$45
(AU$72)
$87
(AU$138)
Entertainment 1 $7
(AU$11)
$18
(AU$29)
$46
(AU$74)
Alcohol 2 $1-3
(AU$2-5)
$3-8
(AU$4-12)
$5-14
(AU$8-23)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Gold Coast on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $48 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

The coastline boasts excellent public transit, allowing budget travelers to skip costly taxi or Uber fares. Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Gold Coast, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Tourists visiting Gold Coast generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $113 per person, per day.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $226. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the coastline, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as 2 Hour Private Surf Lesson at Surfers Paradise - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Gold Coast

The range of hotel prices in Gold Coast can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $0, but during peak summer season the average price can reach $0. From $0 for budget hotels to $0 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Gold Coast for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $106 (AU$169). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $53 (AU$84) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $53
    AU$84
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $106
    AU$169

Hotels in Gold Coast

Looking for a hotel in Gold Coast? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Gold Coast

While Gold Coast has a great public transit system, staying outside the coastline to save on accommodation could mean higher transportation costs and less convenience if you're short on time.

As a family-friendly coastline, Gold Coast is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room.

This coastline features several resorts to explore. You may discover accommodations that include meals or at least breakfast, with many resorts boasting onsite dining.

Many visitors spend up to a week in Gold Coast. If you're staying for an extended period of time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option that would allow you to prepare your own meals.

Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.



Transportation Budget in Gold Coast

Public transit in Gold Coast is top-notch. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast. If you're looking to save time and money, public transit is the ideal option. Of course, taxis and rideshares are easy to find, too.

Gold Coast is quite walkable in certain areas, making it easier to explore various sights. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (great)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $22 (AU$35) per person, per day, on local transportation in Gold Coast. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Gold Coast is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $22
    AU$35

Transportation Tips

Planning to hike? It's a good idea to look into how to get to the trail since public transit may not take you directly there.

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • Private Luxury Airport Transfer with Limousine for $90 details
  • Private Transfer Gold Coast Airport OOL to City Centre/Brisbane for $48 details
  • Mt Tamborine Shuttle Service - Gold Coast Return Transfer for $63 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Gold Coast
How much does it cost to go to Gold Coast? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Gold Coast
The price of renting a car in Gold Coast will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Gold Coast

You can't miss the fantastic food in Gold Coast. Make sure you carve out some time to enjoy all the local tastes. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Gold Coast can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Gold Coast is $45 (AU$72) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $45
    AU$72

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Gold Coast is around $45 (AU$72) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $86. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Gold Coast are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $13
  • Lunch: $7 to $18
  • Dinner: $13 to $31
  • Coffee: $4
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $7

The Gold Coast has no shortage of dining options. You will find everything here, and you will eat all of it! Don't attempt to lose weight on this trip.

From high-end restaurants to affordable fast food and quick dining options, everyone can eat on their respective budget here. And you'll also find cuisine that is not just local (plenty of seafood), but also global, with restaurants serving food from around the world.

If you're on a budget, you can always grab food from one of the many grocery stores or markets and cook your own food.

For less expensive options, try Fishmongers for some fish and chips, Bonita Bonita for some great tacos, or one of the many Breweries for some affordable burgers with your beer. A few other not-too-expensive places include Hideaway Kitchen, Ally Chow, or Wahoo's Fish Tacos.

For a splurge, check out the Social Eating House at Broadbeach, Rick Shores, Little Truffle, or Bisque.

Food in Gold Coast

Food & Dining Tips

If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.

Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.

Keep a water bottle handy instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also a great way to reduce waste.

Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.

If you want to experience the culture in Gold Coast, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise for $82 details
  • Broadwater Sunset Dinner Cruise with Spirit of Gold Coast for $51 details
  • Gold Coast Private Sunset Sailing Charter w/ dinner & drinks for $294 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Gold Coast

It's no wonder that tourists flock to Gold Coast, as it is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Gold Coast typically cost an average of $18 (AU$29) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $18
    AU$29

The beach is the main attraction here, as much of the area's hotels and resorts are located on the shore. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also very popular, as the water is clear enough to see much of the undersea life. And don't forget about surfing. Several surfing schools can be found in the area if you're a beginner.

But the Gold Coast area offers plenty of other things to do and see. Several national parks are in the area, including Burleigh Head, Nerang, Tamborine, Sarabah, and more. Several of these parks are in the "Hinterland" region which is the inland area of Gold Coast. Here you'll find a rain forests and mountains with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, and even visiting vineyards and wineries.

If you stick closer to the beach, plenty of theme parks can be found here. From Sea World to Dreamworld (a zoo-like experience), to Warner Bros. Movie World, you'll have no trouble finding something to do. In fact, so many more activities for families in the Gold Coast are available for kids of all ages. For example, Wet 'N' Wild and Whitewater World are two great water parks full of slides, pools, and splash pads.

And if you want a great view, check out the Sky Point Observation Deck.



In addition to the sights listed above, other activities include hot air balloon rides, skydiving, fishing, boating and sailing, golf, hiking, stand up paddleboarding (SUP), and numerous other activities both on and off the water.

You can also visit several wildlife areas such as the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where you can meet birds, koalas, and other native animals.

Or check out the Botanic Gardens which make for a nice, relaxing stroll through native flowers and plant species.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Attractions in Gold CoastGold Coast is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in Gold CoastIn Gold Coast, scuba diving remains a top choice for thrill-seekers. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Beaches:
Beaches in Gold CoastMany adventurers arrive in Gold Coast to spend leisurely days at the beach. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

Hiking:
Hiking in Gold CoastThe hiking around Gold Coast offers breathtaking views. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Shopping:
Shopping in Gold CoastYou won't want to miss out on the shopping here. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Gold Coast. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Sunset Broadwater Sailing Cruise with snacks & bubbles for $76 details
  • Gold Coast Skippered Canal Cruise for $131 details
  • Cruise Surfers Paradise to Tipplers on South Stradbroke Island for $141 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Gold Coast

The nightlife in Gold Coast is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $5.03 (AU$8.00) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Gold Coast per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $5.03
    AU$8.00
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.

When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Gold Coast. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast for $147 details
  • Sirromet Wine Tasting and Blending Workshop for 2 for $80 details
  • Private Bespoke Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour for $153 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Dec 21, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Gold Coast

  • In peak season during summer, expect to see higher prices and an influx of visitors in the coastline. To save some cash and avoid the crowds, think about visiting during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Gold Coast offers a vast selection of prices for various services, including accommodations, dining, and entertainment. To save some cash, consider shopping around, booking early, and taking advantage of complimentary activities.
  • Traveling slower can help save you money while letting you enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you pack your days with activities, the costs can add up. However, taking it easy often results in a more enjoyable trip with lower expenses.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Scuba diving around Gold Coast attracts many visitors, but it can be pricey, limiting your options for saving money. Expect dive trips, equipment rentals, and boat excursions to consume a big chunk of your budget. Remember to check your travel insurance to confirm it covers all aspects, including accidents and cancellations due to weather.
  • When traveling with young kids, opting for a private vehicle or taxi is likely on your agenda. It's often easier to avoid the headaches of public transportation, though it may cost you a little extra.
  • Gold Coast isn't exactly teeming with hostels, so if you were hoping to find a low-cost dorm, you might want to rethink that. Finding a budget hotel or renting an apartment could be your best bet.
Traveling in Gold Coast
Gold Coast Gold Coast, Queensland

The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.

This region is both a city (Gold Coast) as well as the entire region of smaller towns encompassing Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, Southport, Broadbeach, plus other areas. Brisbane is about 75km to the north.

Generally, the region can be a bit expensive due to the high tourism demand, pricey hotels and resorts, and plethora of activities. However, it's possible to visit the area if you're on a tight budget by staying at less expensive accommodation options (hostels and budget hotels), eating at less expensive restaurants and fast food places, and using public transportation.



We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.