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Cost of Living in Port Douglas

Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia · Population 3,650

▼ -16% vs Australia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,475 ($971)
Couple, monthly$2,691 ($1,770)
Family of four, monthly$3,550 ($2,335)

Estimated Prices in Port Douglas

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$13.34 ($8.78)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$53.35 ($35.10)per meal
Cappuccino$4.00 ($2.63)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$302 ($199)per month
Monthly public transport pass$48.91 ($32.18)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$129 ($84.83)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$37.35 ($24.57)per month
Fitness club membership$37.35 ($24.57)per month
Cinema ticket$9.78 ($6.44)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$843 ($554)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$586 ($386)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,759 ($1,157)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Port Douglas is $4,651 ($3,060) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,475 ($971) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,918 ($1,262) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($586 ($386)) represents about 40% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Port Douglas

Port Douglas vs SydneyPort Douglas vs MelbournePort Douglas vs BrisbanePort Douglas vs PerthPort Douglas vs AdelaidePort Douglas vs Gold Coast

Nearby Cities

Redlynch

51 km away · Queensland

Mareeba

56 km away · Queensland

Cairns

59 km away · Queensland

Atherton

87 km away · Queensland

Innisfail

130 km away · Queensland

Ingham

252 km away · Queensland

Georgetown

287 km away · Queensland

Townsville

340 km away · Queensland

Other Major Cities in Australia

Sydney

New South Wales · pop. 5,450,496

$2,213 ($1,456) / mo

Melbourne

Victoria · pop. 5,350,705

$2,175 ($1,431) / mo

Brisbane

Queensland · pop. 2,706,966

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Perth

Western Australia · pop. 2,141,834

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Adelaide

South Australia · pop. 1,387,290

$1,914 ($1,259) / mo

Gold Coast

Queensland · pop. 607,665

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Canberra

Australian Capital Territory · pop. 381,488

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Central Coast

New South Wales · pop. 325,255

$1,767 ($1,162) / mo

Living in Port Douglas

Port Douglas is one of the key cities in Australia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,475 ($971), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $586 ($386) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,550 ($2,335) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,691 ($1,770) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Port Douglas is $4,651 ($3,060). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,918 ($1,262) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Port Douglas expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,475 ($971) per month in Port Douglas including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Australia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Port Douglas?
A net salary of around $1,918 ($1,262) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Port Douglas with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Port Douglas is $4,651 ($3,060).
How much is rent in Port Douglas?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $843 ($554) per month in the city centre and $586 ($386) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,759 ($1,157).
Is Port Douglas cheaper than Australia on average?
Yes — Port Douglas is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Australia average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Port Douglas?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $302 ($199) in Port Douglas. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $13 ($9) and a cappuccino runs around $4 ($3).
How do transport costs in Port Douglas compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Port Douglas is estimated at $49 ($32). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Port Douglas are estimates based on Australia national averages adjusted for city size (population 3,650). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.