Cairns, QLD, Australia
Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest with a vibrant tourism and backpacker scene.
Below Average vs Australia avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Cairns vs Australia Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 32.5%
- GST: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: A$62,000
- Unemployment: 6.0%
- Population: 169,312
Climate
- Sunny Days: 265/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 58°F
Housing
- Median Home: A$450,000
- 1BR Rent: A$1300/mo
Cost of Living
Cairns's cost of living index is 74 (Australia average = 100).
| Category | Cairns | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 74 | 100 | -26.0% |
| Housing | 70 | 100 | -30.0% |
Data source: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | A$450,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | A$1300/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | A$1,625/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | A$300 |
Data source: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cairns:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | A$185 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical Australian household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating (limited usage in mild climates) |
| Cooling (AC) | A$20 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | A$55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | A$65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | A$325 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Cairns
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: A$1,560/mo.
Cairns Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: A$1,430/mo.
East Cairns
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: A$1,170/mo.
West Cairns
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: A$1,235/mo.
Remote Work Score
Cairns scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Cairns has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 78°F | 58°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 73°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 76°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 32.5%
- GST: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.25% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.0%.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cairns, QLD, Australia?
The cost of living index in Cairns is 74, which is Lower the Australia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Cairns?
The median home price in Cairns is A$450,000. The housing index is 70.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cairns is approximately A$1300/mo.
Does Cairns, QLD have income tax?
Cairns is in QLD, which has an income tax rate of 32.5%.
What is the climate like in Cairns?
Cairns enjoys approximately 265 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,88°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.58°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
- Income & Employment: ABS Labour Force Survey, 2024
Data last updated: July 11, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.