Waves or wines? High salary or low expenses? We answered the Adelaide vs Gold Coast debate!
- Cost of Living in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
- Median Property Prices in Adelaide vs Gold Coast
- Diversity and Demographics in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
- Career Opportunities in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
- Crime and Safety in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
- Lifestyle in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
- Weather in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
- Education in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
- Healthcare in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
- Recreational Activities Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
- Adelaide vs. Gold Coast: How They Stack Up
Can’t decide whether to hang your hat on the culturally rich Adelaide or the ever-sunny Gold Coast? Don’t worry; we’ll compare the two cities to see which comes out on top!
For starters, if you’re seeking a higher salary or a spot near world-class vineyards, Adelaide is where it’s at. But if you’re gunning for lower expenses and beachside bliss, Gold Coast is the place to be.
Want to know more? Below, we offer a rundown of the two cities, covering topics like cost of living, safety, lifestyle, and beyond.
Cost of Living in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
The cost of living in Adelaide is slightly higher than in Gold Coast for both single individuals and families.
For a single person, the average monthly living cost in Adelaide is $2,180, whereas in Gold Coast, it’s $2,152. For families, the average monthly living cost in Adelaide is $5,014, while in Gold Coast, it’s $4,849.
This means that Gold Coast’s monthly living cost is approximately 1.29% cheaper than Adelaide’s for single individuals, and approximately 3.29% cheaper for families.
We calculated this by analyzing data sourced from LivingCost, which you’ll see in the table below. Take a look at the numbers to get a better idea of the general costs associated with living in Adelaide and Gold Coast.
| Expenses | Adelaide Cost | Gold Coast Cost |
| Housing (Average Rent per Month) | ||
| One-person rent | $1,283 | $1,358 |
| Family rent | $2,184 | $2,188 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (40 m² or 430 ft²) | $1,288 | $1,302 |
| 3-bedroom apartment (80 m² or 860 ft²) | $2,505 | $2,532 |
| Cheapest 1-bedroom apartment (40 m² or 430 ft²) | $977 | $1,173 |
| Cheapest 3-bedroom apartment (80 m² or 860 ft²) | $1,671 | $1,888 |
| Home Acquisition Prices | ||
| Apartment (1 m² or 10 ft²) | $7,770 | $1,1003 |
| House (1 m² or 10 ft²) | $5,055 | $8,562 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate (20 years) | 6.56% | 6.6% |
| Utilities (Average Rent per Month) | ||
| One person (electricity, water, heating, etc.) | $192 | $102 |
| Family (electricity, water, heating, etc.) | $284 | $157 |
| Internet plan (50 Mbps+ 1 month unlimited) | $61.5 | $56.9 |
| Food Expenses(Average Rent per Month) | ||
| For a single person and a family | $571 | $557 |
| Transport Expenses | ||
| For a single person and a family (monthly) | $183 | $113 |
| Daily local transport ticket | $3.18 | $3.22 |
| Monthly local transport ticket | $79.3 | $58.9 |
| Daily taxi ride (8 km or 5 mi) | 18.8 | $13.9 |
| Daily gas/petrol (1 L or 0.26 gal) | $1.25 | $1.2 |
| Monthly Salary After Tax | ||
| For a single person and a family | $2,875 | $3,845 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | ||
| Daycare (monthly) | $1,383 | $1,760 |
| International primary school (yearly) | $11,563 | $11,702 |
| Doctor’s visit | $45.5 | $51.4 |
Median Property Prices in Adelaide vs Gold Coast
According to Real Estate, the median house price in Gold Coast is more expensive than that of Adelaide by approximately 206.89%.
Likewise, for units and apartments, the median price in Gold Coast exceeds Adelaide’s by around 44.57%.
The table below reveals the average median prices of houses and units or apartments in Adelaide from April 2023 to March 2024.
| Property Type | Adelaide | Gold Coast |
| House | $926,000 | $2,842,500 |
| Unit or apartment | $460,000 | $665,000 |
Diversity and Demographics in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
Regarding diversity, Gold Coast showcases a higher percentage of residents born overseas compared to Adelaide.
As per the 2021 census report, approximately 29.1% of people in Gold Coast were born overseas, indicating a significant international population within the region.
In contrast, while Greater Adelaide also boasts a diverse population, the proportion of residents born overseas is slightly lower at 27.6%.
However, it’s important to note that in 2021, Greater Adelaide has a population of 1,387,290 while Gold Coast only has 625,087.
The table below explores the difference between the two cities in terms of size, population, demographics, etc.
| Adelaide | Gold Coast | |
| Geographic Location | South Australia | Queensland |
| Size (Area) | 3,259.8 km² | 414.3 km² |
| Population | 1,387,290 | 625,087 |
| Female Population | 51% | 48.6% |
| Male Population | 49% | 51.4% |
| Median Age | 39 years old | 39 years old |
| Families | 375,146 | 172,410 |
| Average Number of Children per Family | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| Average Number of Children per Household | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Non-Indigenous | 95% (1,318,086) | 92.4% (592,033) |
The table below, sourced from the 2021 censuses of Greater Adelaide and Gold Coast, further reveals the two cities’ ancestral diversity, ranked by size. Consider reviewing the said censuses for the complete data breakdown.
For clarification, the National Institute of Health defines ancestry as an individual’s familial or genetic background typically traced through their lineage or family tree.
| Ancestry | Adelaide (Percentage and Number) | Ancestry | Gold Coast (Percentage and Number) |
| English | 36.8% (511,166) | English | 40% (249,795) |
| Australian | 30.2% (419,533) | Australia | 30.7% (191,740) |
| Scottish | 8.2% (113,163) | Irish | 10.4% (65,021) |
| Irish | 7.6% (105,722) | Scottish | 10% (62,371) |
| Italian | 6.8% (95,008) | German | 4.7% (29,449) |
| German | 6.7% (93,341) | Chinese | 3.4% (20,969) |
| Chinese | 4.1% (56,829) | Italian | 3.1% (19,507) |
| Indian | 3% (41,843) | Maori | 2.2% (13,742) |
| Greek | 2.7% (37,710) | Australian Aboriginal | 2.1% (12,958) |
| Dutch | 1.7% (22,959) | New Zealander | 2.0% (12,617) |
| Vietnamese | 1.6% (22,342) | Dutch | 1.6% (10,259) |
| Australian Aboriginal | 1.6% (22,281) | Indian | 1.4% (8,917) |
| Polish | 1.3% (18,155) | Filipino | 1.3% (8,300) |
| Filipino | 1.7% (17,837) | Japanese | 1.1% (7,085) |
Career Opportunities in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
Based on reports by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Queensland Government Statistician’s Office, Adelaide appears to offer better career opportunities compared to Gold Coast.
In March 2024, Adelaide boasted a low unemployment rate of 3.9%, the same as the rate in 2023. Employment also increased by 2.6% compared to the previous year, with an addition of 365,800 employed individuals.
Gold Coast had a slightly lower unemployment rate of 3.4% in January 2024, but there is a yearly decline in employment by 1.3%, totaling an annual decrease of 4,800 workers.
In addition, Salary Expert suggests that workers in Adelaide receive an average annual salary of $81,469. On the other hand, Gold Coast Bulletin reports that the average annual salary in Gold Coast is only $56,022.
Crime and Safety in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
Based on AUCrimeRate, Adelaide is safer than Gold Coast. In 2022, Adelaide had 6,396 incidents per 100,000 people, while Gold Coast had 8,171 incidents per 100,000 people.
It’s important to note, though, that both cities experienced a surge in criminal activities compared to the previous year (9% for Adelaide and 7% for Gold Coast).
Below is a comparison of the major crimes committed in the two cities, taken from the AUCrimeRate.
| Offenses Against the Person | Adelaide(2022 Population – 1,386,882) | Gold Coast(2022 Population – 607,811) |
| Homicide | 28 (2 per 100,000 residents) | 2 (0 per 100,000 residents) |
| Robbery | 561 (40 per 100,000 residents) | 224 (37 per 100,000 residents) |
| Assault | 14,696 (1,060 per 100,000 residents) | 4,269 (702 per 100,000 residents) |
| Sexual assault and related offenses | 2,123 (153 per 100,000 residents) | 1,299 (214 per 100,000 residents) |
| Abduction, harassment, and related offenses | 336 (24 per 100,000 residents) | 0 |
| Blackmail and extortion | 82 (6 per 100,000 residents) | 0 |
| Other offenses against the person | 975 (70 per 100,000 residents) | 783 (129 per 100,000 residents) |
| Property and Deception Offenses | Adelaide(2022 Population – 1,386,882) | Gold Coast(2022 Population – 607,811) |
| Theft and related offenses | 42,024 (3030 per 100,000 residents) | 16,029 (2,673 per 100,000 residents) |
| Burglary | 9,430 (680 per 100,000 residents) | 4,057 (667 per 100,000 residents) |
| Fraud, deception, and other related offenses | 3,718 (268 per 100,000 residents)) | 1,726 (284 per 100,000 residents) |
| Property and environmental damage | 16,328 (1,177) per 100,000 residents) | 3,472 (571 per 100,000 residents) |
This data suggests that while Adelaide has a higher total number of crimes, its crime rate considering its population size is lower than that of Gold Coast.
Lifestyle in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
Both Adelaide and Gold Coast provide desirable lifestyles. For starters, the two cities boast a culture prioritizing work-life balance and offer top-tier cafes and dining scenes.
Adelaide has a laid-back way of life and areas surrounded by hills, beaches, and wine regions. The South Australian city also has more festivals and cultural celebrations.
Gold Coast offers the same easy-going lifestyle with its beaches, hinterlands, and sunny weather. This Queensland gem, though, is more renowned when it comes to nightlife and water sports.
Given that both are very close in terms of lifestyle, we’ll do a comprehensive comparison based on various factors, including weather, education, healthcare, and recreational activities.
Weather in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
Adelaide experiences mild winters and warm, dry summers with temperatures ranging from 16.7°C to 28.6°C in summer and 8°C to 16°C in winter.
In contrast, Gold Coast boasts a sub-tropical climate with around 300 days of sunshine per year. The city features pleasant temperatures ranging from 21°C to 28.4°C in summer and 12.5°C to 21.5°C in winter, with generally sunny and dry conditions.
Education in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
Futurity claims the average Adelaide school fees in 2024 vary significantly across different sectors, with government schools charging approximately $88,186, Catholic schools at $196,990, and independent schools at $288,586.
In Gold Coast, the average 2024 school fees are comparatively lower, according to the same website. Gold Coast government schools are charging around $72,670, Catholic schools at $163,552, and independent schools at $208,164.
Healthcare in Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
Healthcare in Adelaide and Gold Coast are similar, as they’re provided through a mix of public and private services.
In Adelaide, the public healthcare system is primarily managed by SA Health while it’s Queensland Health in Gold Coast. The two cities primarily provide services through hospitals, community health centers, and clinics.
They’re also home to major hospitals such as the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Adelaide, Gold Coast University Hospital, and the Robina Hospital in Gold Coast.
In addition, Adelaide and Gold Coast provide subsidized or free healthcare services, like Medicare, for eligible individuals. Concession and healthcare cards may also be granted to Adelaide and Gold Coast residents with low incomes.
Recreational Activities Adelaide vs. Gold Coast
Adelaide offers recreational activities at destinations like the Adelaide Hills and Glenelg Beach.
A few of the top hobbies you may try here include attending festivals, exploring vineyards, eating at restos/cafes, and strolling through numerous parks and gardens.
For Gold Coast, the top destinations are Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast Hinterland.
The city’s most popular pastimes are surfing, paddle boarding, and thrill-seeking in theme parks. You can also hike and explore wildlife sanctuaries.
Adelaide vs. Gold Coast: How They Stack Up
In summary, Adelaide and Gold Coast each have their own set of advantages and drawbacks. Ultimately, your call will depend on your personal lifestyle preferences and living standards.
Don’t worry, though, as we’ll help you finalize your decision. The table below gives a final rundown of our article.
| Factors | The Better City | Why |
| Cost of Living | Gold Coast | Gold Coast’s cost of living is cheaper for single individuals and families compared to Adelaide. |
| Median Property Prices | Adelaide | Adelaide’s median house price is approximately lower than Gold Coast’s, and its median unit and apartment price trails behind Gold Coast’s, too. |
| Diversity and Demographics | Gold Coast | The two cities have diverse populations, but Gold Coast boasts a higher percentage of residents born overseas. |
| Career Opportunities | Adelaide | Adelaide has a more favorable career landscape with a steady unemployment rate and a notable increase in employment. |
| Crime Index | Adelaide | If we’re basing it on the crime rate per 100,000 residents, Adelaide is safer than Gold Coast. |
| Lifestyle | Tied (preference-based) | Adelaide and Gold Coast have similar healthcare systems, but the latter has cheaper school prices. In terms of climate, Gold Coast experiences hotter temperatures than Adelaide, which can be a pro or con depending on the person. Lastly, Adelaide is more favored when it comes to festivals and vineyards, but Gold Coast is preferred in terms of beaches and nightlife. |
