Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Lombok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lombok or Gold Coast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lombok and Gold Coast. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Lombok or Gold Coast?
Lombok
Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLombok $52Gold Coast $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $52, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $98. 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 Lombok and Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLombok $29Gold Coast $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLombok $58Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Lombok 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.
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: Lombok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lombok $11Gold Coast $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok
Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Wisata Alam Semongkat: $210
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Lopok: $152
- Private Transfer from Dusun Setangi to Lombok Airport (LOP): $93
- Airport transfer from lombok airport to Senaru rinjiani area: $76
- Lombok Airport Private Transfer by Car: $75
- Lombok Airport to Gili Islands - Private Shuttle & Transfer: $59
- Lombok Int Airport (LOP) to Lombok - Round Trip Private Transfer: $59
- Eka Jaya Boat Transfer from Lombok to Padang Bai: $58
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Batu Bolong: $50
- Private Transfer from Bangsal to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Sigar Penjalin: $50
- Private Transfer from Sigar Penjalin to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Tandem Skydive Byron Bay with Transfers: $240
- Tangalooma Snorkel the Wrecks Cruise Transfers: $154
- Tangalooma Marine Discovery Day Cruise Transfers: $147
- Tangalooma Desert Safari Day Cruise Transfers: $147
- Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer to Byron Bay: $137
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Luxury Van: $127
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Car: $127
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $127
- Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $127
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Van: $126
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $126
- Tangalooma Beach Day Cruise with Bus Transfers: $114
Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast and Lombok 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
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Food Meals for one dayLombok $12Gold Coast $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok
For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour: $38
- Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $47
- Babah Peranakan Chinese Cuisine Dinner in Lombok: $60
- Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
- Exquisite Dinner with Spectacular View at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $64
- Traditional Cooking Class Experience With Recipes From The Past Generations: $67
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: $72
- Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lombok $10Gold Coast $19
Tours and Activities in Lombok
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.
- 2 Days Private Tetebatu and Rinjani Nature Tour in Lombok: $169
- 2D/1N (Hostel) Backpacker Lombok Tour Package: $205
- 3 Days Mount Rinjani Complete Tour @All In One Price: $221
- 3 Days Tour in Mount Rinjani Summit with Lake Hiking : $269
- 3D 2N Mount Rinjani Trekking Tour To Summit And Lake: $185
- Beach Tour in Lombok Indonesia: $51
- Benang Kelambu Waterfall And Culture Full Day Tour : $75
- Best Lombok Rice Terrace Walking Tour With Waterfall & Monkey: $60
- Camping Tour in Sasak Mountain Lombok Island: $89
- Complete your Lombok Holiday with Lombok Instagram Tour: $50
- Cultural Tour of Lombok with English Speaking Guide: $63
- Daily Tour: $70
Tours and Activities in Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!: $184
- 2 Hours Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour on the Broadwater: $50
- 2.5 hr Jet Ski Safaris tour - Ultimate Adventure + island stop: $264
- 2.5-Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $43
- 2.5hr Gold Coast Kayaking & snorkelling tour: $52
- 3-Day Ticket: Dreamworld with WhiteWaterWorld & SkyPoint: $97
- Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $36
- Arro Jet Boating Experience, Surfers Paradise Gold Coast: $52
- Breakfast sailing cruise includes snacks & drinks: $79
- Brisbane: Winery Tour with Tastings and 2-Course Lunch: $150
- Broadwater Morning Cruise: $39
- Broadwater Morning Cruise with Spirit of Gold Coast: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLombok $8.15Gold Coast $5.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
- Tamborine Mountain: Wine Tasting Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $124
- Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $132
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast is more expensive. And not only is Lombok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lombok is in Asia and Gold Coast is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Lombok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lombok and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Gold Coast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gold Coast than you might in Lombok.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lombok Expensive? and Is Gold Coast Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Lombok or Gold Coast?
Gold Coast has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lombok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Lombok or Gold Coast in the Summer?
Both Gold Coast and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Lombok is around the same temperature as Gold Coast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lombok in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin January. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLombok 26°C (79°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
Both Gold Coast and Lombok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In October, Lombok is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin April. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lombok. Lombok usually gets more rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLombok 28°C (82°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Gold Coast in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Lombok is much warmer than Gold Coast in the winter. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. Lombok usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during winter. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lombok usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin July. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLombok 28°C (82°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Gold Coast in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Gold Coast. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Lombok is a little warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lombok in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Lombok usually gets less rain in April than Gold Coastin October. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLombok 28°C (82°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Lombok
| Lombok | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.