Moving to the Gold Coast in 2024? The Gold Coast continues to be one of Australia’s most dynamic cities, seamlessly combining a laid-back coastal lifestyle with robust economic opportunities. Renowned for its stunning 57 kilometres of coastline, the area offers pristine beaches perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. Beyond the sand and surf, the Gold Coast boasts a rapidly expanding urban infrastructure, with new developments in transportation, housing, and business facilities. This growth is attracting residents not just from across Australia but also from international locations, drawn by the promise of a vibrant community and a thriving economy. Additionally, the city hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals, contributing to its reputation as a lively and diverse destination.
Current Growth and Demographics
The Gold Coast is experiencing remarkable population growth, with its population expected to exceed 800,000 by 2030. This surge is driven by an influx of young professionals, families, and retirees all seeking a better quality of life and access to economic opportunities. The demographic profile of the Gold Coast is notably diverse, comprising a mix of age groups and cultural backgrounds, contributing to the city’s dynamic community spirit. International migrants have also found a home here, enriching the local culture with a variety of languages, cuisines, and traditions. The city’s planning initiatives are focused on accommodating this growth through sustainable development and infrastructural enhancements, ensuring that the Gold Coast remains a vibrant and inclusive place for all its residents.
Let’s look at what’s happening, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS):
- Population: 735,924 (as of June 2023)
- Annual growth rate: 1.8% (2022-2023)
- Net migration gain: 11,247 (2022-2023)
- Overseas-born residents: 29.1% of population
Property Market Snapshot (March 2024)
The property market on the Gold Coast continues to flourish, driven by significant population growth and sustained demand from both local and international buyers. As of March 2024, the median house price in the Gold Coast has reached AUD 942,000, marking an increase of 5.6% compared to the previous year. This growth reflects a robust demand for residential properties, particularly in areas such as Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, and Southport, which are highly sought-after for their proximity to amenities and lifestyle attractions. Meanwhile, the rental market has also shown strength, with rental yields averaging 4.8%.
Based on REIQ and CoreLogic data:
- Median house price: $942,000
- Median unit price: $675,000
- Rental vacancy rate: 0.8%
- Average weekly rent:
- Houses: $850
- Units: $620
Interstate Moving Costs (April 2024)
Relocating to the Gold Coast can vary depending on which state or city. It can cost you:
| Origin City | Average Moving Cost* |
| Sydney | $4,865 |
| Melbourne | $5,390 |
| Hobart | $6,405 |
| Perth | $7,595 |
| Adelaide | $5,215 |
*Source: FindAMover Gold Coast Removalists, average moving cost data based on a 3-bedroom household
Where to Live: A Local’s Guide
Each suburb has its own vibe – here’s what locals know about the best spots.
Premium Family Areas
- Robina: $985,000
- Best schools in the area
- Massive shopping centre
- Hospital nearby
- Sports fields everywhere
- Actual job opportunities
- Varsity Lakes: $920,000
- Bond Uni on your doorstep
- Lake for morning walks
- Business park bringing jobs
- Train station access
- Mudgeeraba: $887,000
- Real community feel
- Acreage options
- Best bakeries around
- Weekend markets
Beachside Living
- Broadbeach: Units $725,000
- Restaurant central
- Tram access
- Beach without the tourists
- Convention centre bringing business
- Main Beach: Units $892,000
- Luxury apartments with ocean views
- Quiet, upscale atmosphere
- Boutique shopping and dining options
- Close to Sea World and the Marina Mirage shopping complex
- Burleigh Heads: Houses $1.45M
- Laid-back beach vibe
- Famous surf competitions and beachside cafes
- Lush National Park with walking trails
- Strong sense of local community
- Popular farmers’ markets and boutiques
Emerging Value Areas
- Pimpama: $642,000
- Rapid development with new housing estates
- Family-friendly environment with parks and schools
- Convenient access to both Brisbane and the Gold Coast
- Thriving retail and service sectors
- Affordable housing options attracting first-time buyers
- Expanding infrastructure and amenities
- Upper Coomera: $705,000
- Perfect for families with numerous schools and childcare facilities
- Proximity to theme parks like Dreamworld and Wet’n’Wild
- Growing retail hubs offering diverse shopping and dining experiences
- Well-connected public transport options for easy commuting
- A mix of modern urban living and lush, green spaces
- Opportunities for real estate investment with rising property values
- Ormeau: $750,000
- Friendly, tight-knit community
- Excellent schools and educational facilities
- Parks and outdoor recreation areas for family activities
- Convenient access to both Brisbane and Gold Coast for commuters
- Ongoing residential and commercial developments
- Local shops, cafes, and services within easy reach
Monthly Living Costs (Q1 2024)
Living here isn’t cheap, but it’s not Sydney prices either. Your cost of living depends on lifestyle choices – live near the beach, you’ll pay for it.
Based on ABS Household Expenditure Survey:
Family of four:
- Rent (3-bedroom): $3,200 – $3,800
- Utilities: $320 – $380
- Internet: $80 – $120
- Public Transport: $250
- Groceries: $1,400
- Entertainment: $500 – $700
Single person:
- Rent (1-bedroom): $1,800 – $2,200
- Utilities: $180 – $220
- Internet: $70 – $90
- Public Transport: $180
- Groceries: $600
- Entertainment: $300 – $400
Weather
Forget what tourism ads tell you. Yes, we get loads of sun, but summer storms are real, and humidity can knock you around if you’re not used to it. Winter’s perfect though – clear skies, crisp mornings, beach weather by lunch.
Summer (December-February)
- Hot and humid (21-29°C)
- Afternoon storms common
- Beach breezes save you
- Air con is essential
Winter (June-August)
- Perfect days (12-22°C)
- Crystal clear skies
- Zero humidity
- Still need sunscreen
Employment Market (ABS Labour Force Data, Feb 2024)
The job market’s grown up. Health, tech, and professional services are booming. Remote work’s changed everything – plenty keeping their city jobs while living the beach life.
Where the Money is:
- Unemployment rate: 4.8%
- Major growth sectors:
- Healthcare: 8.2% annual growth
- Professional Services: 6.5%
- Education: 5.8%
- Construction: 4.2%
Top employers:
- Gold Coast Health (9,000+ employees)
- Gold Coast City Council (3,500+ employees)
- Bond University (2,000+ employees)
- Village Roadshow Theme Parks (1,500+ employees)
Infrastructure Development
Current projects:
- Light Rail Stage 4 (Burleigh to Coolangatta in planning stages): $3.1B – 7.6B
- Gold Coast Airport expansion: $500M
- Health and Knowledge Precinct: $5B investment
- Pacific Motorway upgrades: $1.03B
Getting Around
You’ll need a car. Public transport’s okay along the coast, not that great elsewhere. The light rail’s great for beach hopping but not that useful for groceries.
Transport Options:
- Light Rail
- Helensvale to Broadbeach
- Reliable but limited
- Buses
- Coverage okay
- Frequency varies
- Driving
- Essential for most
- Traffic getting worse
- Parking’s is limited
Schools and Study
Some great schools here, some not so great. Do your homework. Private schools have waiting lists so be prepared to put your name down, top public schools have strict catchments.
Education Choices:
Private stars
- The Soutporth School
- All Saints Anglican School
- Somerset College
Public winners
- Varsity College
- Robina State High School
- Benowa State High School
Higher Education
- Bond University
- Griffith University
- Southern Cross University
Healthcare
Much better than it used to be. No more running to Brisbane for specialists. University Hospital’s world-class, private hospitals everywhere.
Medical Setup:
- Public hospitals
- Gold Coast University Hospital
- Robina Hospital
- Private options
- John Flynn Private Hospital
- Pindara Private Hospital
- Gold Coast Private Hospital
Community Life
Each suburb’s got its thing. Burleigh’s for surfie-foodies, Robina’s family central, Hope Island’s for boaties. There’s something for everyone in the Gold Coast.
Getting Connected:
- Sports
- Learn to surf with surf clubs
- Everyone talks about AFL
- Netball is huge
- Social stuff
- Markets
- Community groups
- Beach activities
Local Tips
- Move February-March
- Join community groups
- Get to know neighbours
- Be patient – Coast time is real
The Gold Coast’s still got that holiday vibe but it’s a proper city now. Take your time settling in, embrace the lifestyle, and don’t expect everything to work like your old city. That’s kind of the point of moving here in 2024.
Sources:
ABS, REIQ, CoreLogic, Gold Coast City Council, Bureau of Meteorology (2024 data)
