The Gold Coast’s dazzling nightlife, sprawling beachfront and hinterland rainforests draw quite a crowd. Whether you’re planning a trip to this sunny hotspot, or locking in a date for a well-deserved staycay, you know there’s no shortage of things to do. So it makes sense to pinch your pennies on your accommodation, especially with such a varied list of cheap stays up for grabs.
We’ve rounded out the cheapest Gold Coast accommodation to check out and check into, with prices varying between $55 and $149 per night. Here’s 11 of the best places for cheap accommodation on the Gold Coast under $150.
The Wallaby Hotel
Mudgeeraba
Everyone’s got to experience bunking up the top of a pub just once in their life. And with The Wallaby Hotel’s jam-packed live music lineup, you’ll be glad you did. With Drag Bingo, Trivia and pop up activities like Paint and Sips on high rotation, there’s no shortage of things to do. As the best cheap accommodation on the Gold Coast for music-lovers, check out the entertainment schedule to see which local or touring act your ears will be privy to. At around $140 a night, it’s not a bad place to rest your hat for the night. Book here.
Tall Trees Motel
Tamborine Mountain
Quaint cottage vibes deep within the misty mountains on a budget? Yes, please. Wander through Tall Trees Motel’s lush gardens plucked straight from a fairytale or picnic in the nearby open-air BBQ area. Nestled beside Cedar Creek and less than 15 minutes’ walk to Tamborine National Park, The Gallery Walk 0r four minutes in the car to Glow Worm caves, this humble abode will set you back around $130 a night. Book here.
Nobby Beach Holiday Village
Nobby Beach
Situated in the heart of Nobby Beach’s vibrant arts and local supplier scene, Nobby Beach Holiday Village is our pick for the best cheap family-friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast. A mere wander from cocktail bars, breakfast joints and the sandy shores of breathtaking beaches, this Holiday Village’s looping blue and yellow slippery dip is really the icing on the cake. Mere moments from skateparks, micro-breweries and headliner live music venues, prices sit at around $62.50 per night for a couple, mid-week. Book here.
Palm Beach Hotel
Palm Beach
The Palm Beach Hotel is a local favourite for a plethora of reasons—this cheap Gold Coast hotel features a range of renovated rooms perfect for backpackers or those on a tight budget, shared bathrooms, lounges, laundry and free Wi-Fi. While this spot is by no means glamorous, there's also a bar on site and you're only a two-minute walk from Palm Beach, 3 km from the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and 4 km from Burleigh Head National Park. So, yes this is one of the best cheap Gold Coast accommodation spots at around $149 per night, depending on the season. Book here.
Central Townhouse Airbnb
Labrador
Where coastal chic meets a local guide’s touch. This airy townhouse on Gold Coast’s northern side features a private room fit out with bright interiors, located close to Southport’s city centre, tram stop and underground music scene. On the doorstep of pizzarias, Chinatown and Broadwater Parklands’ public waterpark, take the snaking coastal bike path along the water’s edge for a scenic route into town. $100 a night will score yourself a private room, local host and adorable furry friends. Book here.
Country-Style Stay
Merrimac
Pair your homely private room with private access to the lounge area at this shared cheap Gold Coast accommodation spot. Your host welcomes you with an adorable spread of tea, coffee, fruit, bread and condiments at this country-style living stay. Make use of free onsite parking as you make your way to the walkably close tavern. Or venture a hop and a skip further from your leafy neighbourhood to Broadbeach’s Pacific Fair, dining precinct and nightlife scene. Your homely stay comes in at just $90 a night. Book here.
Peaceful Waterfront Accommodation
Benowa
Tucked away from big city life (yet only five km to the iconic Surfers Paradise strip), this verandah-wrapped property hosted by a bloke named Peter is your humble Gold Coast locale with a twist. A wander from the pub, bowls and Aussie rules club, kick back at the nearby parklands during your stay at this cheap Gold Coast accommodation for adults only. Overlooking Surfers Paradise’s cityscape, cheers as the sun sinks over your waterfront deck. After all, this baby only set you back a neat $82 a night. Book here.
Currumbin Treetop Bungalow
Currumbin
Gems like this surprisingly affordable treetop bungalow in Currumbin are rarer than courtesy buses in a bustling seaside city. Then again, this cheap Gold Coast Airbnb offers one of those too. Fit out with kitsch quilts, retro radios and your very own Smeg fridge, you’ll even have access to the communal pool and deck. Located close to the unforgettable experience that is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, idyllic Currumbin Creek and a mere five minutes from Coolangatta airport, at just $78 a night, this has got to be one of the best cheap accommodation options on the Gold Coast. Book here.
Tugun Hideaway Guesthouse
Tugun
If you’ve ever fantasised about living moments from the ocean’s shores in a coastal-meets-industrial chic pad, this one’s for you. Try the Gold Coast lifestyle on for size at this Tugun Hideaway set inside a private guest house. The perfect budget accommodation for a surf trip, you’ll stay a tiny 2.2km from Bilinga Beach, 2.9km from Currumbin Beach and a little further to famous Burleigh and Coolangatta beaches. At around $120 a night, it’s cheap Gold Coast accommodation in Tugun that feels nothing like it. Book here.
Cosy Lakeside Apartment
Carrara
For those who want to experience the cheapest Gold Coast accommodation and the most accommodating hosts, look no further than this lakeside charmer. At an ‘is this real life?’ low price of $55 a night, weave your way around lakeside walking tracks, visit the on-site gym and laze by the pool at no extra charge. Plus, it’s located in Carrara’s stunning Little Italy precinct. Hosted by Bernadette and Peter, this five-star reviewed spot is perfectly paired with friendly local recommendations, guides and even a piano. Book here.
Private Studio Stay
Banora Point
Plot twist: your airport layover becomes a highlight of your trip. Check into this affordable artsy ground floor studio with a private entry to refresh, reset and plunge into a cloud-like bed. A short drive from Coolangatta Airport, while this is technically shared accommodation, your room is fit with its own ensuite and cactus-lined outdoor area, so consider it your new short term hideaway coming in at a nice $100 a night. Book here.
If you've got a bit more money to splash, check out our top picks for the best Gold Coast accommodation right now.
Image Credit: Wallaby Hotel, Tall Trees Motel, Palm Beach Hotel & Airbnb