Cost of Living in Cairns

by Katie G May 14, 2025

Discover Cairns' true cost of living in 2025 with our comprehensive local guide. Compare housing costs, utilities, and moving expenses. Save up to 50% on relocation with expert tips from Cairns trusted removalists.

Moving to Cairns? As Far North Queensland's trusted transport specialists, we've helped thousands of families relocate to this tropical paradise. Let's break down the real costs of living in Cairns for 2025, from housing to daily expenses.

Quick Stats πŸ“Š

  • Average monthly living costs: $1,335-$3,439
  • Cost comparison: 15-20% lower than capital cities
  • Living Cost Index increase: 2.4-3.5% (March 2025 quarter)

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Housing Costs in Cairns 2025 🏠

Property Type Weekly Rent (CBD) Weekly Rent (Suburbs)
Studio $380 $320
1 Bedroom $580 $450
2 Bedrooms $650 $550
3-4 Bedrooms $850 $650

Detailed Suburb Analysis

Northern Beaches

Trinity Beach

  • Housing Costs:
    • 2BR Unit: $520-580/week
    • 3BR House: $620-680/week
    • 4BR House: $750-850/week
  • Utility Averages:
    • Electricity: $180/month (higher AC usage)
    • Water: $75/month (garden maintenance)
    • Internet: $75-90/month
  • Moving Tips:
    • Early morning moves recommended (6am-9am)
    • Limited truck parking - pre-arrange access
    • Body corporate restrictions apply

Palm Cove

  • Housing Costs:
    • 2BR Unit: $600-650/week
    • 3BR House: $750-850/week
    • 4BR House: $900-1,100/week
  • Utility Averages:
    • Electricity: $190/month
    • Water: $80/month
    • Internet: $75-90/month
  • Moving Tips:
    • Avoid tourist peak times
    • High-rise access restrictions
    • Weekend surcharges apply

Seasonal Moving Guide 🌞

Wet Season (November-April)

  • Moving Costs:
    • Peak rates apply
    • Weather protection: $50-100
    • Humidity protection: $75-150
  • Planning Tips:
    • Book 6-8 weeks ahead
    • Early morning moves essential
    • Waterproof packing required

Dry Season (May-October)

  • Moving Costs:
    • Standard rates
    • Basic protection included
    • Regular packing materials
  • Planning Tips:
    • Book 4-6 weeks ahead
    • Flexible timing available
    • Backloading opportunities

Utility Costs Deep Dive πŸ’‘

Electricity Usage

  • Peak (Dec-Feb): $180-220/month
  • Off-peak (Jun-Aug): $120-150/month
  • Solar advantages: 15-20% savings
  • Time-of-use tariffs available

Water Consumption

  • Wet season: $70-90/month
  • Dry season: $80-100/month
  • Garden irrigation needs
  • Pool maintenance costs

Internet Services

  • NBN Options:
    • 50Mbps: $75-85/month
    • 100Mbps: $90-110/month
    • Installation: $0-299

School Zone Considerations πŸ“š

Primary Schools

  • Edge Hill State School Zone
    • Rent premium: +$50-70/week
    • High moving demand
    • Peak: December-January

Secondary Schools

  • Cairns State High Zone
    • Rent premium: +$80-100/week
    • Very high demand
    • Peak: December-January

Healthcare Facility Access πŸ₯

Public Healthcare

  • Cairns Hospital
    • CBD: 5-10 minutes
    • Northern Beaches: 20-25 minutes
    • Southern Corridor: 15-20 minutes

Private Healthcare

  • Cairns Private Hospital
    • Central location
    • Parking: $12/day
    • Specialist access

Entertainment & Lifestyle 🎭

Monthly Budget Guide

  • Dining out: $200-400
  • Movies/Theatre: $80-120
  • Sports activities: $100-150
  • Family activities: $150-250

Fitness & Recreation

  • Gym memberships: $60-90/month
  • Swimming pools: $5-8/entry
  • Sports clubs: $300-500/year
  • Beach activities: Free

Moving Cost Breakdown πŸš›

Local Moves

  • Studio/1BR: $800-1,200
  • 2BR: $1,200-1,600
  • 3BR: $1,600-2,000
  • 4BR+: $2,000-2,500

Interstate Moves - Averages

  • From Brisbane: $2,300-4,500
  • From Sydney: $2,500-6,000
  • From Melbourne: $2800-7,000
  • From Perth: $5,500-8,500
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Our Unique Services 🌟

Free Additional Features

  • Moving journal for kids
  • Multilingual support
  • Property inspection coordination
  • Digital inventory tools
  • Moving cost calculator

7-Point Comparison System

  1. Local route knowledge
  2. Tropical moving experience
  3. Equipment suitability
  4. Insurance coverage
  5. Customer satisfaction history
  6. Price competitiveness
  7. Environmental practices

Essential Setup Costs 🏑

Property Connections

  • Electricity: $50-100
  • Water: $25-75
  • Gas (if applicable): $100-150
  • Internet: $0-299

Property Services

  • Pest control: $250-350 annually
  • Garden maintenance: $80-120/month
  • Air conditioning service: $180-250 annually
  • Security systems: $300-500 setup

Money-Saving Tips πŸ’°

Moving Savings

  • Book mid-week moves
  • Use backloading services
  • Compare verified transporters
  • Book during off-peak

Living Costs

  • Shop at local markets
  • Use public transport
  • Take advantage of free activities
  • Consider solar power

Need Expert Moving Advice? πŸ“ž

Our local specialists are ready to help:

  • Phone: 1300 339 140
  • Free Quote: Get Started
  • No credit card required

Why Choose Best Rated Transport?

  • βœ… 100+ verified transport partners
  • βœ… Free moving coordination
  • βœ… No-obligation quotes
  • βœ… Local Cairns expertise
  • βœ… 5-star customer rating

Additional Resources πŸ”—

Location Guides

 

We service all of Australia to Cairns and From Cairns. Connect with a transport specialise in Cairns Today - Click Here To Start 

All prices and information current as of 13 May 2025. Actual costs may vary based on specific circumstances and market conditions.

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