Moving to the Gold Coast in 2026: Surf, Sun and Surprisingly Liveable

The Gold Coast has long been undersold as a place to live. Beyond the theme parks and high-rise towers, there is a city of nearly 700,000 people with a diversifying economy, world-class beaches, a growing food scene and rapidly improving public transport.

The real Gold Coast

The city stretches 57 kilometres along the coast from Beenleigh in the north to Coolangatta at the NSW border. Each part has a distinct character: Surfers Paradise is the tourist core; Broadbeach is the food and entertainment hub; Burleigh Heads is the lifestyle sweet spot for the under-40s; Coolangatta is laid-back and half a step slower.

Cost of living

The Gold Coast is more affordable than Brisbane for housing but the gap has narrowed. Hinterland suburbs like Mudgeeraba and Robina offer space and value. Beachside properties command significant premiums. The rental market is tight, reflecting the sustained interstate migration that followed the pandemic.

Transport and getting around

The G:link light rail runs from Helensvale in the north through the tourist strip to Coolangatta. Bus services supplement the network. Most residents drive. The Pacific Motorway connects the Gold Coast to Brisbane in around an hour outside peak times, making it viable for those commuting north for work.

Jobs and economy

Tourism remains significant but the economy has diversified into health, education, professional services and construction. Bond University, Griffith University and a cluster of private hospitals anchor the education and health sectors. The tech sector is smaller than Brisbane but growing.

This article was compiled by AI from the sources linked above and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.