Moving to Gold Coast
57 kilometres of beach and a real city behind it
Australia's Miami. Surf before work, rainforest in the hinterland, and a Brisbane commute if you need big-city work.
700,000
9-10 hours ahead of the UK
$560
about £287
$82,000
about £42,051
$1,100,000
Would Gold Coast suit you?
Why UK movers pick it
The Gold Coast has grown out of its schoolies reputation into a proper city of 700,000 with health, construction, film and tech industries. It is the single most popular landing spot for British families chasing the outdoor life, and the tram plus heavy rail line makes Brisbane commuting realistic.
"You will swim outdoors in July. Summer storms are dramatic and brief."
On the weather.
"Brighton prices, Bondi weather, Blackpool sprawl in places."
On rent.
Weather, plainly
29°C
21°C
300
100
Subtropical. Warm all year, humid summers, dry sunny winters.
Rent compared with other cities
Weekly one-bed rent, cheapest to priciest.
How Gold Coast rates
Suits you if
- Beach life is the whole reason you are moving
- You work in health, construction, trades or hospitality
- You have kids who will live outdoors
- You want a city that still feels like a holiday
Think twice if
- You need a corporate head office
- You dislike tourists and high-rises
- You want a cool climate
Suburbs worth knowing
Rent shown is a weekly median for the area, with a rough UK equivalent so you can picture it.
Burleigh Heads
Surf, cafes, families, highly sought
UK equivalent: Salcombe with better waves
Broadbeach
Apartments, dining, tram
UK equivalent: Brighton seafront
Robina / Varsity Lakes
Family estates, schools, train
UK equivalent: Milton Keynes near the sea
Coomera / Pimpama
New builds, best value, growing fast
UK equivalent: A new-build estate outside Leeds
Indicative planning rate of A$1.95 to £1. Check a live rate before you transfer money.
Dig deeper
Jobs market+
Health and aged care, construction, education, tourism and a fast-growing screen industry. Many professionals commute to Brisbane by train.
Health, construction, tourism, film and small business dominate.
Schools+
Strong choice of state and independent schools, particularly in the northern suburbs.
Healthcare+
Gold Coast University Hospital is a major tertiary centre.
Getting around+
The G:link tram runs the coastal strip; heavy rail heads to Brisbane. Most households have a car.
Brits here+
Enormous British community — you will hear northern accents on every beach.
Visas+
The Gold Coast is a designated regional area for subclass 491 and 494 — a major advantage over Sydney and Melbourne.
Other places to consider
Keep researching
Ready to plan the move to Gold Coast?
See how far your salary really stretches once rent, bills and tax are accounted for, then check which visa and job pathways fit your skills.