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Cost of Living in Cairns, Australia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Mar 09, 2023

Summary: What is the cost of living in Cairns, Australia? Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Cairns talk about the general living costs, the cost of housing and health insurance.

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Is the cost of living in Cairns high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Cairns, they wrote:

"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," explained one expat.

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With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.
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Will I save money living in Cairns?

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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VRBO

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip.
Learn More

VRBOVRBO

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip.
Learn More

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