Monthly Cost Summary — Cairns
| Expense | Single Person |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed apartment) | $300–$400/week |
| Groceries | $165–$220 per week |
| Public transport | $70–$100 |
| Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) | $300–$400 |
| Dining out (meal for two, mid-range) | $85–$115 |
| Total monthly (single) | $2,900–$3,700 |
| Total monthly (family of 4) | $6,000–$7,800 |
Rent in Cairns
| Property Type | Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (inner/middle suburbs) | $300–$400/week |
| House (3-bedroom) | $420–$560/week |
| Median (all dwellings) | $470/week |
Rent is the biggest cost in Cairns and the main driver of differences between cities. Cairns ranks Very affordable for cost of living among Australian cities — 20–25% below average.
Property Prices
| Type | Median Price |
|---|---|
| Median house | ~$520K |
| Median unit/apartment | ~$280K |
Transport in Cairns
Bus-based public transport. Limited coverage — most people drive.
What Salary Do You Need?
To live comfortably in Cairns as a single person (renting, moderate lifestyle, some savings), you need a gross salary of approximately $60,000–$80,000 per year. "Comfortably" means renting a 1-bedroom apartment, eating well, going out occasionally, and putting something into savings.
Tips for Living in Cairns
Tourism drives the economy — lots of hospitality and adventure tourism jobs. Wet season (Dec–Apr) means cyclone risk and higher insurance. Groceries cost more due to distance from major supply chains. Great lifestyle if you love the outdoors.
What Makes Cairns Different
Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest on your doorstep. Tourism-dependent economy — seasonal work patterns. Very affordable housing by national standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Cairns?
A single person needs approximately $2,900–$3,700 per month including rent, groceries, transport, and utilities. A family of four needs $6,000–$7,800.
What salary do I need to live in Cairns?
For a comfortable lifestyle as a single person, you need approximately $60,000–$80,000 gross per year. This covers rent on a 1-bedroom apartment, food, transport, and some discretionary spending.
How much is rent in Cairns?
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $300–$400/week per week. A 3-bedroom house costs $420–$560/week. Median across all dwellings: $470/week.