Cairns, Queensland, Australia · Population 146,778
▼ -6% vs Australia average
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $14.82 ($9.75) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $59.28 ($39.00) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | $4.45 ($2.93) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $336 ($221) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | $54.34 ($35.75) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $143 ($94.25) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $41.50 ($27.30) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | $41.50 ($27.30) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | $10.87 ($7.15) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $961 ($633) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $669 ($440) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $2,006 ($1,320) | per month |
The estimated average net salary in Cairns is $5,168 ($3,400) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,657 ($1,090) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $2,154 ($1,417) per month.
Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($669 ($440)) represents about 40% of the total single-person budget.
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New South Wales · pop. 5,450,496
$2,213 ($1,456) / moVictoria · pop. 5,350,705
$2,175 ($1,431) / moQueensland · pop. 2,706,966
$1,914 ($1,259) / moWestern Australia · pop. 2,141,834
$1,914 ($1,259) / moSouth Australia · pop. 1,387,290
$1,914 ($1,259) / moQueensland · pop. 607,665
$1,767 ($1,162) / moAustralian Capital Territory · pop. 381,488
$1,767 ($1,162) / moNew South Wales · pop. 325,255
$1,767 ($1,162) / moCairns is one of the key cities in Australia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,657 ($1,090), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $669 ($440) per month.
For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,996 ($2,629) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $3,026 ($1,991) monthly.
The average estimated net salary in Cairns is $5,168 ($3,400). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $2,154 ($1,417) per month.