There is also not a lot of capital growth on the Gold Coast, prices are dropping and people are moving out especially with all the recent negative media and reports.
Brisbane has far less percentage of vacancy rates due to the close proximity to the CBD - where majority of employment is. Brisbane also has bigger capital growth due to the opportunities it offers and infrastructure. There are also plenty more institutions for study. I used to manage a few properties on the gold coast from Brisbane and they rent for far less than Brisbane. This is due to the stock levels, and low demand for Gold Coast.
Hmm.. but that was dated Sept 2011 - things change.