Cairns, 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
- State Income Tax: 32.5%
- Sales Tax: 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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
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$150 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | A$20 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | A$60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | A$70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | A$300 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025
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" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Cairns faces the following natural hazards:
Frequently affected by cyclones.
Extreme tropical heat.
Flash floods.
Bushfire-prone continent with frequent fire seasons.
Frequent droughts across much of the continent.
Eastern Australia experiences tornadoes.
Dust storms in interior regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 32.5%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Cairns per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Queensland Department of Education sets the calendar.
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, 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 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 58°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
- Income & Employment: ABS Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.