Cost of Living in Cairns


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£1,881

Average cost per month

1

Distribution of Expenses

Property
62%
Groceries
16%
Eating Out
9%
Transportation
1%
Utilities
9%
Leisure
3%
Property
62%
Groceries
16%
Eating Out
9%
Transportation
1%
Utilities
9%
Leisure
3%

Cost of living breakdown for Cairns

You can expect to spend around £1,881 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.

Housing

£1,057Average rent per month
£4,947Price per m² (city centre)
£3,802Price per m² (outside centre)
Housing

Standard of Living

Cost of living index52
Quality of life index90
Safety index44
Standard of Living

Food & Drink

Cairns average costs for food and drink.

£283Weekly groceries/person
£163Dining out average cost/person
£3Regular coffee
Food & Drink

Salary & Services

Cairns average salaries and services.

£3,350Average Monthly Net Salary
£12Transport
Healthcare66
Salary & Services

Average living costs in Australia

ItemAverage pricePrice range
1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£1,056.60£928.39 - £1,167.12
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£929.45£785.15 - £1,076.93
3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£1,725.92£1,326.28 - £2,122.04
3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£1,485.42£1,326.28 - £1,591.52

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Frequently asked questions

The cost of living in Cairns depends on your lifestyle. On average, a single person needs £825 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £2,907. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £1,057 on average.

Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in Cairns costs £3. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £12.

The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Cairns is currently £3,350.

Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Cairns costs approximately £12, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around £64.

The estimated monthly cost of living in Cairns for a single person is £825, excluding rent.

For a family of four living in Cairns, the estimated monthly costs are £2,907, not including rent.

Rent prices in Cairns depend on the area. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is £1,057, compared to £929 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £1,726 in the centre and £1,485 in suburban areas.

Basic utilities in Cairns (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £124 per month. Internet access typically adds another £41.