A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Adelaide vs. Gold Coast for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Adelaide or Gold Coast?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Gold Coast can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Adelaide or Gold Coast?

Adelaide

Adelaide is the often overlooked capital city of the State of South Australia. It's also the fifth largest city in the country. Despite being skipped by most travelers, Adelaide is an interesting city to explore and has a decent amount to offer open minded travelers. It has some fascinating architecture, unique shopping, and wonderful cafes and restaurants. Part of the appeal of Adelaide is its location in the midst of Australia's wine regions, including McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Clare Valley. Any of these destinations could be visited as a day trip from Adelaide.

Gold Coast

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.

Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Adelaide?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Adelaide is $108, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $97. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Adelaide and Gold Coast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adelaide $64
    Gold Coast $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adelaide $128
    Gold Coast $108
Compare Hotels in Adelaide and Gold Coast

Looking for a hotel in Adelaide or Gold Coast? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Adelaide


Hotels in Gold Coast


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Adelaide Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adelaide $18
    Gold Coast $23
Typical Local Transportation prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Full-Day Private City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $483
  • Private Airport & Houseboat Transfers from Adelaide or Glenelg : $313
  • One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide: $228
  • AirPort Transfers & People Mover: $139
  • Round trip transfer in private minivan Adelaide Airport (ADL) -Adelaide Downtown: $121
  • Round trip transfer in private vehicle from-to Airport in Adelaide Downtown: $121
  • Private Adelaide Airport Round-Trip Transfer: $114
  • Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Luxury Car: $105
  • Adelaide Airport Transfers : Airport ADL to Adelaide City in Luxury Car: $105
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Adelaide Airport ADL to Adelaide in Luxury Van: $91
  • Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast

Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • TOP Luxury Transfer from Gold Coast or OOL Airport to Brisbane or BNE Airport: $186
  • Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer to Byron Bay: $136
  • Private Airport Transfer to South Gold Coast from Gold Coast Airport (OOL) 1-4px: $65
  • Private Airport Transfer to North Gold Coast from Gold Coast Airport (OOL) 1-4px: $69
  • Private Airport Transfer to Gold Coast Airport (OOL) from South Gold Coast 1-4px: $65
  • Private Airport Transfer to Gold Coast Airport (OOL) from North Gold Coast 1-4px: $69
  • Private Airport Transfer to Brisbane Airport (BNE) from South Gold Coast 1-4 pax: $144
  • Private Airport Transfer to Brisbane Airport (BNE) from North Gold Coast 1-4 pax: $117
  • Movie World To Brisbane Hotel One Way Transfer: $26
  • Theme Park Transfer: $29
  • Australia Zoo Ticket and Roundtrip Transfer: $102
  • Airport to Hotel Return Transfer: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Adelaide or Gold Coast?

Prices for flights to both Gold Coast and Adelaide change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Adelaide $30
    Gold Coast $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Maggie Beer's Farmshop Interactive Cooking Demonstration: $36
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $58
  • The F Factor: Adelaide food tour: $59
  • Cooking classes Goolwa: $121
  • Pipi Catching and Cooking Experience in Goolwa : $182
  • Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner: $189

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast

For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $77
  • Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $78
  • Romantic Gondola Dinner Cruise for Two: $339

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adelaide $13
    Gold Coast $18

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Flinders Ranges 3 Day 4WD Small Group Eco Tour from Adelaide: $1,237
  • 10-Day Adelaide to Perth Adventure Tour: $1,498
  • 2h Wine Experience, Vineyard walk, 6 wines, charcuterie board: $58
  • 3 Hour Sailing Adventure on Brindabella: $117
  • 3-Day Adelaide to Melbourne Tour Including the Great Ocean Road: $1,113
  • 3-Day Kangaroo Island Adventure Tour: $584
  • 3-Day Small-Group Eco-Tour from Southern Yorke Peninsula: $1,628
  • 3-Day Yorkes Peninsula Coastal Wilderness Tour from Adelaide: $1,605
  • 3-Night Murray River Cruise by Classic Paddle Wheeler PS Murray Princess: $946
  • 4-Night Murray River Cruise by Classic Paddle Wheeler PS Murray Princess: $1,266
  • 5-Day Flinders Ranges & Outback Eco Tour from Adelaide: $1,927
  • 5-Day Whale Watching Tour from Adelaide: $1,962

Tours and Activities in Gold Coast

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.

  • Whale Watching Australia Experience (3hours): $78
  • 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!: $176
  • 10-Day Surf Adventure from Brisbane to Sydney Including Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and Gold Coast: $2,447
  • 2 Hours Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour on the Broadwater: $50
  • 2.5 hr Jet Ski Safaris tour - Ultimate Adventure + island stop: $255
  • 2.5-Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $42
  • 2.5hr Gold Coast Kayaking & snorkelling tour: $52
  • 24hr Supercar Experience - Experience Beautiful Gold Coast & Brisbane: $620
  • 30min Jet Ski Tour in Surfers Paradise: $78
  • 5-Day Byron Bay and Evans Head Surf Adventure from Brisbane, Gold Coast or Byron Bay: $521
  • Afternoon Broadwater Sailing Cruise: $52
  • Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adelaide $22
    Gold Coast $5.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • River Torrens Desserts And Wine Tour: $42
  • St Hugo & Riedel Wine Tasting Masterclass: $49
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $51
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $52
  • Highlights, Hahndorf, & McLaren Vale Wine Tastings: $77
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $78
  • Private Picnic and Wine Tasting Experience in Barossa Valley: $78
  • From Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tour: $106
  • Barossa Wine Tasting shared tours: $108
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $109
  • The Barossa Valley Premium Wine Tour with Lunch: $109
  • McLaren Vale Wine Tour by Bike: $114

Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:

  • Sirromet Winery Tour and Wine Tasting: $23
  • 3-Hour Wine Tasting and Lunch Guided Tour at Cellar Door: $42
  • Tamborine Mountain: Wine Tasting Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $110
  • Northern Rivers Wine Tour: $111
  • Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $123
  • Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $124
  • Full-Day Tamborine Guided Wine and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $198

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Adelaide and Gold Coast, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Gold Coast?

Adelaide is bigger, and its population is about 2 times larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the population of Adelaide vs. Gold Coast, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Adelaide or Gold Coast?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Adelaide or Gold Coast in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Gold Coast.

In January, Adelaide is generally cooler than Gold Coast. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 22°C (72°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Gold Coast during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Gold Coast. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Adelaide 22°C (72°F) 
    Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Gold Coast.

Adelaide is cooler than Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Gold Coast. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Adelaide 18°C (64°F) 
    Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Gold Coast in the Winter?

Both Gold Coast and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In the winter, Adelaide is cooler than Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Adelaide in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. Adelaide usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Adelaide usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gold Coast. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Adelaide 11°C (52°F) 
    Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast and Adelaide during the spring are popular places to visit.

In October, Adelaide is generally cooler than Gold Coast. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 16°C (61°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the spring, Adelaide often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Gold Coast. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Adelaide 16°C (61°F) 
    Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Adelaide

Adelaide Gold Coast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Mar 21°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 18°C (64°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 13°C (56°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 18°C (65°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 21°C (69°F) 25 mm (1 in) 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Adelaide vs. Gold Coast Travel Comparison

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