Is Cairns an expensive place to live?


Is Cairns an expensive place to live? Compared with Australia's capital cities, Cairns is a far more affordable place to buy a house, send a child to private school, use childcare and park your car! Cost-of-living estimates for Cairns come in around $1500-$2100 monthly*, far lower than capital cities and on par with other major regional centres.


Why is there so many Asians in Cairns?

?In decades past, Europeans came to Far North Queensland for farming, but today the shift in Asian migration is mainly due to their rising economies,? he said. ?People in places like India and China are upskilling compared to decades past and they're bringing those skills to Australia.?


Why is Cairns so popular?

Cairns is undoubtedly the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the worlds largest reef system comprised of over 2,900 individual reefs. Each year, people flock to the reef from around the world to swim, snorkel, and dive with the more than 1,500 marine species that call the reef home.


Can you live in Cairns without a car?

Cairns is one of the most beautiful tropical cities in Australia. It is also the closest city to the Great Barrier Reef. Getting around Cairns can actually be very easy without a car. If you plan to stay within the city centre, you can walk, or use a bike to get around.


Can you swim in the ocean off Cairns?

Yes you can swim in Cairns beaches, however it can be very dangerous between the months of November – May. Most locals would recommend swimming in freshwater lagoons, lakes and waterfalls to avoid crocodiles, jellyfish and other dangerous animals in the sea.


Why is Cairns property so cheap?

Units in Cairns North top the list for highest property price declines, and this is due to the loss of international visitors that typically flock to the Queensland city. “Cairns' reliance on tourism is a big factor in its relatively poor performance,” Conisbee said.