Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Tanah Rata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tanah Rata or Gold Coast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata 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.
Where Should I go: Tanah Rata or Gold Coast?
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.
-
Tanah Rata Prices
Malaysia PricesGold Coast Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $192Gold Coast $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $119. 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 Tanah Rata and Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $76Gold Coast $55
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $152Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata 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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $33Gold Coast $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Private Transfer Service Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur: $229
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $154
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Business Car: $113
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Luxury Van: $139
- Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
- Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $133
- From Gold Coast : Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket: $132
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $108
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $139
- Gold Coast Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $21
- Gold Coast to Byron Bay scenic One Way Transfer: $81
- Chill Out at Byron Bay Bus Transfer: $72
- OOL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast and Tanah Rata 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 dayTanah Rata $87Gold Coast $47
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
-
Dinner for Two$6.42
-
Dessert$0.71
-
Lunch$4.52
-
Afternoon tea$4.40
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:
- Brisbane/Sunset, Dinner, Stars/Premium Telescope: $79
- Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $79
- Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $87
- Gold Coast Private Sunset Sailing Charter w/ dinner & drinks: $310
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $39Gold Coast $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Tea Factory Visit$6.42
-
Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Tours and Activities in Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- Spring Brook National Park Self Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Spring Brook National Park Driving Tour with an APP: $15
- Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Midday River and Canal Cruise: $15
- Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Morning River and Canal Cruise: $21
- Surfers Paradise Sightseeing City Lights Cruise: $21
- SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket: $22
- SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket: $23
- Surfers Paradise: Cruise, HOTA Gallery Entry, & Dining Pass: $26
- Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise: $29
- Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Cruise: $30
- Surfers Paradise: IceBar Entry Ticket and Drink: $32
- Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise: $38
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $21Gold Coast $5.23
Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
- Granddad Jack's Distillery Gin Tasting & Talk: $43
- Queensland Distillery Tour: $76
- Craft Distillery and Brewery Tour on Gold Coast: $77
- Sirromet Wine Tasting and Blending Workshop for 2: $84
- Wine, Distillery & Rainforest Day Tour: $151
- Private Bespoke Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $161
- Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $165
- Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $167
- Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery: $198
- Gold Coast and Craft Brewery VIP Tour from Brisbane: $959
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Gold Coast, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Gold Coast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tanah Rata 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 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive? and Is Gold Coast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Gold Coast?
Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata 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.
When is the best time to visit Tanah Rata or Gold Coast?
Gold Coast has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tanah Rata experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Gold Coast in the Summer?
Both Gold Coast and Tanah Rata during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.
Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Gold Coast in the summer. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in July than Gold Coastin January. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Also, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tanah Rata in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.
Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin April. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Gold Coast in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Gold Coast. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Gold Coastin July. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (80°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the winter. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in January than Gold Coastin July. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Gold Coast in the Spring?
Both Gold Coast and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the spring. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin October. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.