Cost of Living Gold Coast for Students (2026): Rent, Food & Transport

Average Cost of Living in Gold Coast for Students

There isn’t one fixed amount that every student needs. Here is the approximate breakdown:

These figures are only a guide. You could spend less by sharing more costs and cooking most of your meals, while living alone or eating out regularly can push your budget higher.

Rent and Student Accommodation in Gold Coast

Rent is likely to be your biggest expense on the Gold Coast. The amount you pay will depend on the suburb, how close you are to your university and whether you have a private room or share the property.

Shared accommodation

Sharing a house or apartment is one of the easier ways to keep your rent down. You’ll split the cost of the property with other students, and you may also be able to share bills such as electricity and internet.

On-campus accommodation

Living on campus can make things simpler, especially if you’re new to the Gold Coast. You’re closer to university facilities and may have several costs included in your accommodation.

Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus has student accommodation close to the university, with furnished options and utilities included in some residences.

Private accommodation

If you want your own apartment, your rent will usually be much higher. Bond University estimates that renting an apartment alone on the Gold Coast can start at around AU$550 per week.

Always check what your rent includes before signing an agreement. A property with a slightly higher weekly rent could work out cheaper overall if electricity, water or internet is included.

Food and Grocery Costs

Food is another expense you’ll need to plan for every week. How much you spend largely comes down to how often you cook and how often you eat out.

A few simple habits can help you save:

• Make a rough meal plan before you shop.
• Compare prices between supermarkets.
• Buy supermarket-brand staples where they make sense.
• Cook larger portions and use leftovers for another meal.
• Buy seasonal fruit and vegetables.
• Split some household groceries with your flatmates.

You’ll probably still want to eat out from time to time. So, if you’re trying to keep your cost of living in Gold Coast low, eating out once or twice a week instead of several times can make a noticeable difference.

Transport Costs in Gold Coast

Getting around the Gold Coast can be fairly affordable for students, particularly if you use public transport.

Translink operates buses, trams and trains across South East Queensland. As of 2026, public transport fares are 50 cents per journey, including services on the Gold Coast.

This makes travelling between your accommodation, university, shops and other parts of the city much easier to budget for.

Utilities, Internet and Mobile Costs

Your utilities may already be included in your rent, particularly if you live in student accommodation. If they aren’t, you’ll need to account for electricity, water, gas and internet separately.

Your mobile phone is another regular expense. Basic plans can start at around AU$10 per month, although you may pay more if you need a larger data allowance.

Before signing a rental agreement, check exactly which bills you’ll need to pay yourself.

Healthcare and OSHC

Another cost international students need to plan for is healthcare.

If you’re on a student visa studying in Australia, you’ll generally need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Depending on the level of cover you have, your policy can help to cover costs of eligible healthcare.

You might still have some out-of-pocket expenses, such as some medicines, dental care or services not covered by your policy.

Other Expenses to Include in Your Budget

Rent, food and transport are the main expenses, but they aren’t the only ones. Small weekly purchases can add up over a month.

You may need to budget for:

You don’t necessarily need a large amount for each of these every week. Keeping a small amount aside for occasional expenses can help you avoid dipping into your rent or grocery budget.

How to Save Money as a Student in Gold Coast

You can still enjoy life on the Gold Coast without spending heavily every week. A few changes to your routine can help keep your budget in check.

Share your accommodation

Rent is usually the largest part of your student budget. Sharing a property can bring your weekly housing cost down and lets you split some household bills.

Cook at home

You don’t have to stop eating out completely. Cooking most of your meals at home and keeping takeaway for occasional treats can make your food budget easier to manage.

Use public transport

With current Translink fares at 50 cents per journey, buses, trams and trains are an affordable way to get around the Gold Coast.

Keep track of your spending

Set yourself a weekly amount for groceries, entertainment and other personal expenses. You’ll have a better idea of where your money goes and can make adjustments before your budget gets tight.

Check what’s included in your rent

Before booking accommodation, check if your rent covers utilities, internet or other services. This can make a difference when you compare two properties with different weekly prices.

Make use of student discounts

Ask about student discounts when you go to cafés, cinemas, attractions, gyms and other local businesses. Your university may also run free or low-cost events throughout the year.

Is Gold Coast Expensive for Students?

If you know how to manage your expenses, the Gold Coast can be manageable for students. Accommodation is the biggest item in the total budget, followed by food and personal expenses.

You can control your weekly costs by sharing a property, cooking at home and using public transport. If you live alone, eat out a lot or rely on rideshare services, that will typically cost a lot more.

If you are planning on studying at university on the Gold Coast, it is a good idea to work out what your weekly costs will be before you arrive. This makes it easier to work out how much you will need each month and helps with settling in without undue financial stress.