Cairns is a warm, tropical, regional city with a more relaxed way-of-life compared to the large cities of South East Queensland. Cairns has a seaside-city atmosphere and is populated by a combination of families, couples, young professionals, and often many tourists.

The holiday atmosphere surrounds Cairns with cruise ships anchoring throughout the year, tours to the Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef and surrounding islands operating daily, an open-air dining precinct on the Esplanade, and major outdoor events often taking over the city.

Cairns allows residents to enjoy a healthy work-life balance without the challenges of larger cities. Commutes are typically shorter and affordable parking is available in the city.

Cairns is an accessible and convenient city. Surrounded by natural wonders, creeks, waterfalls, and lush rainforests, Cairns is green and vibrant year-round. Residents enjoy dining out, hiking, spending time in nature, swimming, local markets, and cultural events throughout the year.

The dry season runs from May to October, with average daily temperatures of 26°C – 28°C, 55-65% humidity.
The wet season runds from November to April, with average daily temperatures of 31°C – 34°C, 75-85% humidity.

Living expenses in Cairns vary. The price range caters to many residents depending on lifestyle.

• Housing: Buying property in Cairns can be comparably affordable to Australian capital cities.According to Realestate.com research, the average weekly rent in Cairns is $560 for houses and $620 for apartments.
  Average house prices are around $570,000 for a two-bedroom house, or $427,500 for a one-bedroom unit/apartment.
• Utilities: Costs including fuel, electricity, and insurance tend to be higher than other Australian cities. This is due to the extreme wet season environmental weather conditions and due in part to intense tropical cooling demands. Many houses and properties defray costs with solar panels.

Cairns experiences higher rates of property crime, vehicle theft and unlawful entries per capita compared to the national average. While violent crime rates are lower than property offences, overall crime remains a notable regional challenge prompting localized high-visibility police surges.

There are a natural risk of hazards from cyclones and wildlife such as crocodiles and jellyfish, particularly in coastal areas.

Healthcare services are good, with Cairns Hospital being a major regional facility which will undergo a large, Government funded expansion, and the city's infrastructure is reliable. Owning a car is common due to the spread-out nature of the region.

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.