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Cost of Living in Coolum Beach

Coolum Beach, Queensland, Australia · Population 9,152

▼ -16% vs Australia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,475 ($971)
Couple, monthly$2,691 ($1,770)
Family of four, monthly$3,550 ($2,335)

Estimated Prices in Coolum Beach

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$13.34 ($8.78)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$53.35 ($35.10)per meal
Cappuccino$4.00 ($2.63)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$302 ($199)per month
Monthly public transport pass$48.91 ($32.18)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$129 ($84.83)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$37.35 ($24.57)per month
Fitness club membership$37.35 ($24.57)per month
Cinema ticket$9.78 ($6.44)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$843 ($554)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$586 ($386)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,759 ($1,157)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Coolum Beach is $4,651 ($3,060) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,475 ($971) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,918 ($1,262) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($586 ($386)) represents about 40% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Coolum Beach

Coolum Beach vs SydneyCoolum Beach vs MelbourneCoolum Beach vs BrisbaneCoolum Beach vs PerthCoolum Beach vs AdelaideCoolum Beach vs Gold Coast

Nearby Cities

Bli Bli

11 km away · Queensland

Maroochydore

13 km away · Queensland

Nambour

17 km away · Queensland

Buderim

18 km away · Queensland

Caloundra

30 km away · Queensland

Gympie

58 km away · Queensland

Caboolture

61 km away · Queensland

Bongaree

61 km away · Queensland

Other Major Cities in Australia

Sydney

New South Wales · pop. 5,450,496

$2,213 ($1,456) / mo

Melbourne

Victoria · pop. 5,350,705

$2,175 ($1,431) / mo

Brisbane

Queensland · pop. 2,706,966

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Perth

Western Australia · pop. 2,141,834

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Adelaide

South Australia · pop. 1,387,290

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Gold Coast

Queensland · pop. 607,665

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Canberra

Australian Capital Territory · pop. 381,488

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Central Coast

New South Wales · pop. 325,255

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Living in Coolum Beach

Coolum Beach is one of the key cities in Australia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,475 ($971), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $586 ($386) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,550 ($2,335) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,691 ($1,770) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Coolum Beach is $4,651 ($3,060). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,918 ($1,262) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Coolum Beach expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,475 ($971) per month in Coolum Beach including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Australia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Coolum Beach?
A net salary of around $1,918 ($1,262) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Coolum Beach with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Coolum Beach is $4,651 ($3,060).
How much is rent in Coolum Beach?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $843 ($554) per month in the city centre and $586 ($386) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,759 ($1,157).
Is Coolum Beach cheaper than Australia on average?
Yes — Coolum Beach is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Australia average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Coolum Beach?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $302 ($199) in Coolum Beach. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $13 ($9) and a cappuccino runs around $4 ($3).
How do transport costs in Coolum Beach compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Coolum Beach is estimated at $49 ($32). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Coolum Beach are estimates based on Australia national averages adjusted for city size (population 9,152). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.