What is the cost of living in Cairns?

Compared to Australia's capital cities, Cairns offers a more affordable lifestyle, with lower costs for housing, private schooling, childcare, and parking.

Cost-of-living estimates for Cairns range from $1,442 to $3,439 per month, significantly lower than in capital cities and comparable to other major regional centres.

Housing

Buying a home in Cairns is much more affordable than in major capital cities - often costing less than half the price. With your budget, you could also afford a larger, more beautiful home in Cairns than in a metropolitan area. As a result, mortgage repayments tend to be lower as well.

Families

For families, childcare costs in Cairns are more affordable. Additionally, the fees at our highly regarded private schools often come as a pleasant surprise to newcomers, as they are significantly lower than expected while still offering excellent education. For families who prefer a public-school education, Cairns also boasts well-equipped schools with dedicated, experienced teachers.

Getting around in Cairns

On the road, you'll save too. Our parking is $2.20 an hour, less than other cities. If you're lucky, you might even get free parking. Look for the centre parking in the city. These spots are free.