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OOLGold Coast
Bond · Griffith · SCU
156 students
Local time— AEST
ClimateWarm · subtropical
TransportGo Card
VibeSurf · beaches · holiday
Universities
Studying in Gold Coast?
Open your university's guide for a tailored plan and questions from students already there.
Tourism and surfing capital — beach lifestyle, Bond University prestige
Costs
Cost of living
Share room
$190–$270/wk
Groceries
$80–$110/wk
Go Card
$35–$55/wk
Eating out (cheap)
$15–$20/meal
Neighbourhoods
Best suburbs for students
Southport$190–$240/wk
Central hub, near Gold Coast Hospital and Griffith Uni
Robina$200–$250/wk
Near Bond, Westfield shopping, quieter residential
Surfers Paradise$220–$300/wk
Tourist centre, noisy but central, short-term options available
Estimator
What will it cost you?
Estimate
$1,050 – $1,480/ month
Based on your selections below. Estimates only.
Accommodation
$700 – $1,000/mo
Food
$250 – $350/mo
Transport
$100 – $130/mo
Typical breakdown (mid-range)
Accommodation$850/mo
Food$300/mo
Transport$115/mo
Transport tip
Gold Coast uses the SEQ Go Card (same as Brisbane). The G:link tram connects Southport to Broadbeach. Bond University runs private shuttles.
Full transport guide →Weather
Warm subtropical climate. Summer (Dec–Feb) is hot and humid with storms. Winter is pleasant — 21°C days, very liveable.
Essential guides
Start here — your first steps
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Your first week in Melbourne — the complete checklist
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