If you’re considering relocating to Cairns, you are in for a treat of unimaginable proportions. This is a great city to live in in Far North Queensland but you may be wondering what the cost of living in Cairns is. Particularly because it’s quite remote.
Cairns is one of the largest cities in northern Queensland and a main location for tourists to visit with the tropical rainforest and Great Barrier Reef meeting here. There is a lot to do here (so factor this into your cost of living). Let’s take a look at the rest will cost you.
Cairns climate
Cairns is very much a tropical wonderland which means that winter is by far the most enjoyable season. Cairns climate is characterised by mild winters and hot monsoonal summers. The rainfall is around 1992 mm over 154 days and mostly falls during the monsoon season December to March with temperatures ranging from 23 deg. min to 31 max mid-summer and 18 deg. min to 26 max mid-winter. And it’s humid!
So in terms of cost of living, factor in air conditioning for 6-9 months of the year.
Housing costs in Cairns
Housing is one of the most significant factors in the cost of living in Cairns. The city offers a range of housing options, from apartments to houses. You can live in the city or in one of the outer beach suburbs.
Renting
On average, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around $580 per week, while outside the city centre, the rent may drop to about $1,700 per month ($425 per week). A unit at Clifton Beach, one of the beach suburbs closer to the city, goes for around $475 per week (2 bedrooms).
So rent will be one of the significant aspects to factor into your cost of living for this area.
Buying
For those looking to buy, the median house price in Cairns is approximately $650,000 and the median unit price is approx. $330,000. This is by far and away significantly cheaper than our southern capitals, especially Sydney and Melbourne.
Cairns has a pretty transient population so rentals may be more competitive than buying a house.
Utilities
When budgeting for your move to Cairns, don't forget to account for utilities. Monthly utilities, including electricity, air conditioning, water, and garbage services for an average-sized apartment, typically cost around $250.
Internet services will add another $70 to your monthly expenses.
If you are adding everything up, you may also want to consider adding your mobile phone to this section.
Many homes in Cairns have a pool so if you are aiming for this, also factor in $50-100 per month on pool maintenance.
Groceries and eating out
Grocery costs can vary, but a typical weekly shop for one person is around $150, depending on your lifestyle and dietary choices. You may find supermarket prices slightly higher as food does need to travel pretty big distances to get to Cairns.
However, Cairns has a wonderful fresh food market - Rusty’s Market - where you can find local produce that is cheaper, fresh and delicious.
In terms of eating out, keep in mind that Cairns is a big tourist destination. This means that restaurants may charge a little bit more than they would in other areas. Especially in the city. Numbeo reports that an inexpensive meal is around $25 per person and can go up to $80pp for higher-end restaurants.
Transportation costs
Transportation is another crucial aspect of the cost of living in Cairns. Public transport is available, with a weekly pass costing around $38.40 for a 5-zone adult fare or $9.60 for a daily fare. A daily one-zone adult fare is $4.80 or $19.20 weekly.
However, many residents find it more convenient to drive as Cairns is pretty spreadout. If you plan to use a car, consider the costs of fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Fuel prices in Cairns are often in line with national prices or just slightly higher than in the southern end of Queensland. At the time of writing, we are hovering around $1.71/L.
Healthcare and education
Cairns offers a range of healthcare and education options, which are important considerations for families. Public healthcare is accessible and affordable with the Cairns Base Hospital as the main healthcare facility. Cairns private hospital is a private healthcare option also available.
Education costs vary depending on whether you choose public or private schools for your children, with public schools generally being more cost-effective. Cairns boasts 21 private schools and 10 government high schools and two universities being James Cook University and Central Queensland University. Fees vary by school but private schools often start at $300 per month and go up from there.
Managing your budget when moving
Relocating can be a major financial commitment, particularly if you're moving from another state. Using a professional mover interstate can help streamline the process and reduce stress. Here are some tips to help you manage your budget when moving to Cairns:
- Plan early: Begin planning your move well in advance to secure the best deals on housing and furniture removal services. The earlier you can engage a removalist service the better for planning your move according to your timeline.
- Get multiple quotes: Obtain quotes from several moving companies to ensure you’re getting a competitive rate for a mover interstate. Have a look at reviews before making a decision as fake reviews abound and you need a quality removalist service to protect your precious possessions.
- Downsize before moving: Reducing the amount of belongings you move can lower your moving costs significantly. There are many ways to achieve downsizing but in the long run it is a great way to save you money by reducing the size of your load. Cairns is also a great place to pick up quality second-hand items as many sell their things before moving on.
- Create a detailed projected budget: Include all potential expenses, such as housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation, and stick to your budget.
Things to see and do in Cairns
Cairns has a smorgasbord of activities, places to see and tourist hotspots to engage with that you and your family will love. The list seems almost unending particularly when you include the tablelands which are surprisingly close. Some of the best places are
- Kuranda
- the Crater Lakes
- Atherton
- Malanda
- Mareeba
- Green Island
- Port Douglas
- Mossman
- Cape Tribulation
- Snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef!
Final thoughts on the cost of living in Cairns
Cairns is not an especially expensive or especially cheap place to live. Some things cost a little bit more due to it’s remoteness but many are similar to other cities in Australia. Although Cairns is cheaper than the major cities like Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne. With good planning and budgeting, you can enjoy all that this beautiful tropical city has to offer.
Whether you’re moving locally or need a mover interstate, our professional moving company is here to help every step of the way. We’re dedicated to making your relocation as smooth and stress-free as possible. Consider the ease of moving as you have your precious possessions packed up, and removed without you lifting a finger and then relocated and unpacked in your new residence in Cairns.
Feel free to reach out to us for more information on how we can assist with your move to Cairns. We’re here to provide support and ensure your new beginning is off to a great start!
Happy Moving!
