Australia
Cost of Living in Cairns
Monthly Total
$3,028
$52,990
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$1,381
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$55
Based on a typical lifestyle for international residents: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 3/31/2026.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood
$1,381
$24,168
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$197
$3,448
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$190
$3,325
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$180
$3,150
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$360
$6,300
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$326
$5,705
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$345
$6,038
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$49
$858
Monthly Total
$3,028
$52,990
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Living in Cairns
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare Cairns to Other Cities
See how Cairns stacks up against other popular destinations in Mexico.
Customize Your Comparison