Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Melbourne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Melbourne or Gold Coast? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.
Gold Coast is a colorful, high energy, and fun-filled coastline. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.
Visitors will generally find more to do in Gold Coast than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Gold Coast, Gold Coast has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Gold Coast is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Melbourne is known for its big city activities. Gold Coast is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. It is also home to the long sandy beaches. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gold Coast and Melbourne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Melbourne and Gold Coast.
Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.
Many visitors head to Gold Coast specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.
Both Melbourne and Gold Coast offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.
Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.
Dining out in Gold Coast is an experience not to be missed. 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.
Gold Coast is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.
Gold Coast is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.
Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.
Gold Coast is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Melbourne is not a resort destination.
For the ultimate resort vacation, Gold Coast is a great choice. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.
Melbourne is not a resort destination.
Gold Coast is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Gold Coast. 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.
Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Gold Coast is very popular for the beache. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.
Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Gold Coast. 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.
Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.
Gold Coast is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Gold Coast. 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.
Melbourne is not a hiking destination.
Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Melbourne and Gold Coast.
Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Gold Coast. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.
Gold Coast is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, Gold Coast is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.
Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.
Gold Coast is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.
Gold Coast makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.
Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.
Gold Coast is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Gold Coast is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.
Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.
Melbourne is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Gold Coast is not popular with students.
Many students frequent Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.
Gold Coast is not popular with students.
Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Melbourne and Gold Coast.
Public transit in Melbourne can get you to some places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).
Many visitors use the public transit system in Gold Coast. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.
Melbourne is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for its walkability.
Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.
Gold Coast is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Gold Coast Worth Visiting?.
Both Melbourne and Gold Coast have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gold Coast than in Melbourne. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 3-7 days is enough time in Gold Coast.
Families should spend more time in Gold Coast than Melbourne. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Gold Coast, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Gold Coast than Melbourne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Gold Coast that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast than Melbourne if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Gold Coast.
When visiting Melbourne, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
You'll find nightlife and food around the coastline of Gold Coast. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
When visiting Melbourne, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.
You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the glamourous destination of Gold Coast. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastline offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Melbourne, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the colorful coastline of Gold Coast. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastline makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastline has to offer.
Melbourne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Gold Coast is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gold Coast, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Melbourne is $176, 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 Melbourne and Gold Coast in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Melbourne 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:
Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast and Melbourne 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.
For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:
Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Gold Coast, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Gold Coast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gold Coast would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gold Coast 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne than you might in Gold Coast.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Melbourne Expensive? and Is Gold Coast Expensive?.
Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne and 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Gold Coast. The summer months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.
In the summer, Melbourne is cooler than Gold Coast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Melbourne in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast during summer. Melbourne gets 271 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, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Gold Coast. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Gold Coast. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In April, Melbourne is generally cooler than Gold Coast. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 15°C (60°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In the autumn, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Gold Coast. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Melbourne usually gets less rain in April than Gold Coast. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Gold Coast and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Melbourne is much colder than Gold Coast in the winter. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 9°C (49°F) in July, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during winter. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Gold Coast. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Gold Coast and Melbourne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Melbourne is cooler than Gold Coast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Melbourne in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 21°C (69°F).
In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the spring, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Gold Coast. Melbourne gets 216 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. Melbourne usually gets less rain in October than Gold Coast. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Melbourne | Gold Coast | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
Mar | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
May | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Jul | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Aug | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Sep | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |