Cairns is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, with people from all over Australia and the world calling it home. In fact, it’s quite rare to find a true Cairns-born local. The majority of residents are relaxed and friendly, and since many have been in your shoes, they’ll go out of their way to help you settle into your new neighbourhood.

Cairns is often referred to as a "transient city" because people come and go frequently. As a result, the longer you spend here, the easier it becomes to meet like-minded people – though that’s true of any place you move to.

Like all regions, the Cairns area has a variable crime rate. In the 12-month period for 2024, approximately 55,000 offences were reported in Cairns, with theft being the most commonly reported crime, according to the Queensland Police Service online crime map.

As with any city, there are areas where crime rates may be higher, while others experience very low levels of reported incidents.

Cairns is generally considered a safe place to live, offering a laid-back lifestyle and a strong sense of community. It has a relatively low crime rate compared to larger cities, although property crime can occur, and there is a risk of natural hazards like cyclones and wildlife such as crocodiles and jellyfish, particularly in coastal areas. Healthcare services are good, with Cairns Hospital being a major regional facility, and the city's infrastructure is reliable, though owning a car is common due to the spread-out nature of the area. While the city is popular with tourists and expats, it is important to research specific neighbourhoods and stay aware of safety precautions, especially when it comes to weather and wildlife.

Cairns is truly unique, offering a blend of natural beauty and a relaxed lifestyle that sets it apart from cities like Brisbane, Townsville, the Gold Coast, and Rockhampton. As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns allows residents to enjoy a healthy work-life balance without the challenges of larger cities. Commutes are typically much shorter, and locals often complain if their journey exceeds 30 minutes. While Cairns' neighbouring city, Townsville, is just a four-hour drive away, the ecosystems in each city differ greatly, with Cairns' lush tropical landscape providing year-round beauty. With a population of just over 175,000, Cairns is small enough that you will quickly settle in and get to know your fellow locals, yet large enough to offer modern amenities and services typically found in bigger cities.

Cairns is a wonderful place to live, especially for families looking to raise children in a beautiful and relaxed environment. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, creeks, waterfalls, and lush rainforests, Cairns remains green and vibrant throughout the year. While some may find the summer months (or 'wet season') hot and humid, the warm rain provides relief and still allows for outdoor activities, and newcomers quickly adapt to the tropical climate. A recent survey by Cairns Regional Council found that residents enjoy activities like dining at great restaurants, hiking, spending time in nature, visiting the reef, and attending local markets and cultural events. Cairns locals are sociable with a strong community spirit, and with a growing list of fun, often free, activities, it’s easy for newcomers to settle in and enjoy a more balanced lifestyle.

Like all cities, living expenses in Cairns can vary. While some costs are higher, others are more affordable, offering a good balance of value for residents.

• Housing: Compared to major cities, buying a home in Cairns is more affordable. According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021), the median weekly rent in Cairns ($340) is lower than the Queensland ($365) and national averages ($375). Mortgage repayments are also more affordable, with Cairns at $1,517 per month, compared to Queensland ($1,733) and Australia ($1,863).
• Utilities: Costs like fuel, electricity, and insurance tend to be higher than in other major Australian cities.
• Income: The median weekly income in Cairns ($1,590) is lower than the Queensland ($1,733) and national ($1,746) averages, which reflects the generally lower salary levels in the region. However, many costs balance out, making it possible to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

In Cairns, you'll find many of the same popular retailers, food options, and entertainment venues as in other parts of the country, meaning fashion, food, and entertainment costs are on par with national averages.

• Private schooling and daycare are generally more affordable than in capital cities, providing additional savings for families.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics QuickStats census data from 2021, 18.3% of employed individuals in Cairns were classified as Professionals, followed by Technicians and Trades Workers at 14.7%, and Community and Personal Service Workers at 14.3%. Labourers made up 12.1% of the workforce, while managers accounted for 12%.

Cairns experiences two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season, which lasts from October to May, is when humidity reaches its highest levels. Depending on where you're relocating from, it may take a few wet seasons to adjust to the heat, but many people find the humidity more manageable than the dry heat found in other parts of Australia.

With creeks, a man-made lagoon, and numerous beaches equipped with stinger nets, there are plenty of ways to cool off outdoors. Many indoor spaces are air-conditioned, offering a refuge if the heat becomes too intense. Shopping centres, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, and bars are all great places to relax and escape the heat.

During the dry season (June to September), Cairns becomes a tropical paradise, with daytime temperatures typically in the high 20s and nighttime lows rarely dropping below 15°C.