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Comparative Cost of Living
Living and studying here is a cost effective option compared to other capital cities around the world. The graph below is the results of an independent survey, indicating that the Gold Coast is a cheaper living option that other Australian and international cities. It is recommended that you allow at least AUD$5000 per semester for living costs. This may vary depending on your budget for rent, food, travel, clothing, recreation, books, telephone and other living expenses.
The cost of living in Australia is nearly 50% lower than some destinations including the United States, UK, France, Germany and Singapore.
The Gold Coast has the lowest cost of living of major Australian Cities – lower than half of the world’s major cities.
Comparative Cost of Living Index
The following table is taken from Mercer's annual Cost of Living Survey covers 143 cities across six continents and measures the comparative cost of over 200 items in each location. It is the world’s most comprehensive cost of living survey. The base city is New York, USA at 100 points and all cities cost of living are compared to this baseline.
Gold Coast |
Melbourne |
Sydney |
Singapore |
New York |
Hong Kong |
Tokyo |
86.8 |
94.2 |
104.1 |
109.1 |
100.0 |
117.6 |
127.1 |
Source: Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Worldwide Rankings 2008
Compared to other Australian cities, the Gold Coast is a cheap place to live and study.
Typical Prices on the Gold Coast
Item |
Cost $AUD |
Food snack/sandwich |
$5.00 - $7.00 |
Moderate restaurant meal (without drinks) |
$10.00 – $25.00 |
Top-end restaurant Meal (without drinks) |
$25 and upwards |
Local bus fare |
$1.70 - $5.00 |
Schooner of beer |
$4.00 |
Glass of wine |
$4.00 |
McDonalds Big Mac |
$3.60 |
Soft drink (in a pub) |
$1.80 |
Kilogram of Rice |
$2.00 |
Litre of Milk |
$1.60 |
Loaf of Bread (white) |
$4.00 |
Toilet Paper (4 rolls) |
$3.00 |
Cup of Coffee |
$3.50 |
Whole Pizza |
$10.00 - $18.00 |
Bottle of Water (600ml) |
$2.00 |
Newspaper |
$1.00 - $1.70 |
Local Phone Call |
$0.50 |
Shampoo |
$6.00 |
Toothpaste |
$3.00 |
2 bedroom furnished apartment |
$400.00 per week |
2 bedroom unfurnished apartment |
$350.00 per week |
1 Litre petrol |
$1.40 |
Home phone bill |
$50 per month |
Used car |
$1500.00 upwards |
Electricity bill |
$50 per month |
Convert the above amounts into your currency at www.xe.com
