Cost of Living in Cairns

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Cairns

"The cost of living in Cairns is considered to be relatively moderate compared to other major cities in Australia. Housing tends to be more affordable, with rental prices significantly lower than in cities like Sydney or Melbourne. The cost of groceries and dining out is also generally lower, although this can vary depending on the specific location and type of restaurant. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and internet are considered to be reasonably priced. Transportation costs in Cairns are also relatively low, especially if you own a car, as public transportation options are limited. However, owning a car also means additional costs for maintenance and fuel. Healthcare in Cairns is a mix of public and private providers, with costs depending on the level of coverage you choose. Education costs can vary widely, with public schools being free, while private and international schools can be quite expensive. Overall, while Cairns is not the cheapest city in Australia, it offers a lower cost of living than many of the country's larger cities, making it an attractive option for many people," said one expat living in Cairns.

Can I live in Cairns on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Cairns for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Edge Hill, Whitfield, and Redlynch might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a shared apartment or house in suburbs like Manoora, Mooroobool, or Woree, where rent is generally cheaper. You might also want to avoid living right in the city center, as it tends to be more expensive.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation or even consider biking to work if it's feasible. Cairns has a decent bus system, and a monthly pass costs around $100, which can help you save on transportation costs.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be budget-conscious. Shopping at discount supermarkets like ALDI can help you save on groceries, and cooking at home more often will be more cost-effective than eating out. If you do want to eat out occasionally, look for cheaper options like cafes and takeaway shops rather than high-end restaurants.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you'll need to prioritize and find affordable options. Cairns has plenty of free or low-cost activities like hiking, visiting the Esplanade, or going to the beach. If you're interested in visiting the Great Barrier Reef, look for deals and discounts on tours, as they can be quite pricey.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Cairns is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, being budget-conscious with groceries and dining, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Cairns.

Can I live in Cairns on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Cairns for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll need to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll want to look for housing in more affordable neighborhoods. I'd recommend checking out areas like Manoora, Mooroobool, and Woree. These suburbs are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Edge Hill, Whitfield, and Freshwater, as they tend to have higher rent prices.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive, so you might want to consider using public transport or even cycling to get around. Cairns has a decent bus network, and the city is quite bike-friendly, so it's definitely doable. Plus, you'll save money on petrol and parking.As for groceries and dining out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets like ALDI can help you save on groceries. When it comes to eating out, there are plenty of affordable options in Cairns, but you might have to cut back on more expensive restaurants and cafes.Another thing to consider is entertainment and leisure activities. Cairns has a lot of free and low-cost attractions, like the Esplanade Lagoon and the Botanic Gardens, so you can still enjoy your time here without breaking the bank. However, you might have to limit more expensive activities like scuba diving or going on tours.Overall, living in Cairns on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transport, and being conscious of your grocery and entertainment expenses, you can make it work and still enjoy your time in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Cairns.

Can I live in Cairns on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Cairns for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxury apartment in the city center or dine out at fancy restaurants every night. But overall, I think you'll find that Cairns offers a great quality of life at a reasonable cost.In terms of affordable neighborhoods, I'd recommend looking into areas like Manoora, Mooroobool, and Woree. These suburbs are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options while still providing access to modern amenities like shopping centers, public transport, and parks. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Edge Hill, Whitfield, and Freshwater, as these areas tend to have higher housing costs and might not fit within your budget.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of transportation. While Cairns does have a public transport system, it's not as extensive as you might be used to in a larger city. You might need to rely on a car to get around, which can add to your monthly expenses. However, if you're willing to live closer to the city center and use public transport or even bike to work, you can save on transportation costs.Another area where you might need to cut back is dining out and entertainment. While Cairns has a great selection of restaurants and bars, eating out regularly can quickly add up. Instead, consider cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the local markets for fresh produce. You can still enjoy the occasional night out, but being mindful of your spending in this area will help you stick to your budget.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Cairns on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be prepared to make a few sacrifices and be mindful of your spending in certain areas," commented an expat living in Cairns.