Which city is cheaper, Gold Coast or Surfers Paradise?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Surfers Paradise vs. Gold Coast for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?
Surfers Paradise
A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurfers Paradise $106Gold Coast $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Surfers Paradise is $106, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $100. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurfers Paradise $68Gold Coast $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurfers Paradise $136Gold Coast $112
Compare Hotels in Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Surfers Paradise 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surfers Paradise $11Gold Coast $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise
Also for Surfers Paradise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Brisbane Airport Departure Transfer From Gold Coast: $177
- Gold Coast: Airport to Hotel Return Transfer: $33
- One-Way Shared Transfer to Byron Bay: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Gold Coast Airport Departure Transfer: $89
- Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer to Byron Bay: $164
- Private Airport Transfer to Gold Coast Airport (OOL) from South Gold Coast 1-6px: $47
- Private Airport Transfer to Gold Coast Airport (OOL) from North Gold Coast 1-6px: $67
- Private Airport Transfer to Brisbane Airport (BNE) from South Gold Coast 1-6 pax: $132
- Private Airport Transfer to Brisbane Airport (BNE) from North Gold Coast 1-6 pax: $107
- Private 24 Seat Mini Bus Gold Coast CBD to Gold Coast Airport Transfer: $268
- Private 13 Seat Mini Bus Gold Coast CBD to Gold Coast Airport Transfer: $236
- Theme Park Transfer: $32
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $14
- Gold Coast Airport Transfers : Gold Coast City to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $118
- Gold Coast Airport Transfers : Gold Coast City to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise 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 daySurfers Paradise $27Gold Coast $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak and Dinner: $40
- Dinner Buffet Cruise on the Gold Coast: $70
- Gold Coast: Spirits of the Red Sand Aboriginal Show & Dinner: $87
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surfers Paradise $24Gold Coast $19
Typical Entertainment prices in Surfers Paradise
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Surf Lesson$80
Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $32
- Aquaduck Secrets, Scandals and Sunset Tour: $47
- Body Massage Experience in Gold Coast: $160
- Byron Bay and the Crystal Castle Day Tour from Gold Coast: $97
- Full Day Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Gold Coast: $126
- Full-Day Moreton Island 4x4 Sightseeing Tour: $259
- Glow Worms Private Tour - Nocturnal Rainforest Walk: $466
- Glow Worms Tour - Nocturnal Rainforest Walk - Small Group: $78
- Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $20
- Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $21
- Gold Coast Hydrofoil Tours: $131
- Gold Coast Morning Tea Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $18
Tours and Activities in Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- 4-Day Australian Outback Tour from the Gold Coast to Sydney: $905
- Birthday Tour: $130
- Broadwater Adventure + Helicopter Tour Combo: $91
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket: $36
- Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Gold Coast Waterfalls: $161
- Full-day Springbrook National Park Tour from the Gold Coast: $84
- Glow Worm Evening Eco-Adventure from the Gold Coast: $76
- Gold Coast Local Craft Beer and Breweries Tour: $143
- Gold Coast QLD: Tweed Hinterland Food & Drinks Tour: $126
- Gold Coast Sailing Cruise with sparkling wine & nibbles platter: $62
- Evening Rainforest and Glow Worm Experience: $71
- Introductory SCUBA Diving Experience: $86
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurfers Paradise $11Gold Coast $5.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Surfers Paradise
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Surfers Paradise:
- Private Half Day Wine Tour from Gold Coast to Tamborine Mountain: $119
- Hipster Sipster Brewery and Distillery Tour: $154
When comparing the travel costs between Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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.
When is the best time to visit Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast.
Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Gold Coast in the summer. The temperature in Surfers Paradise is usually 25°C (77°F) in January, and Gold Coast stays around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast during summer. Surfers Paradise gets 256 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. Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 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 JanuarySurfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Gold Coast.
In the autumn, Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Gold Coast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surfers Paradise in April are around 22°C (71°F), and Gold Coast is about 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 Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In the autumn, Surfers Paradise often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surfers Paradise usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 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 AprilSurfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast in the Winter?
Both Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
In July, Surfers Paradise is generally around the same temperature as Gold Coast. Temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 15°C (59°F), and Gold Coast stays around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast during winter. Surfers Paradise gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 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 JulySurfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast in the Spring?
Both Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise during the spring are popular places to visit.
Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Gold Coast in the spring. The temperature in Surfers Paradise is usually 21°C (69°F) in October, and Gold Coast stays around 21°C (69°F).
In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. In the spring, Surfers Paradise often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise gets 259 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (4 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 OctoberSurfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise
| Surfers Paradise | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
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