Cost Of Living In Cairns For Students: Budget Tips & Affordable Accommodations
Your Cairns cost guide, simplified.
Table of Content
Cairns is one of Australia’s most scenic and relaxed student cities, known for its tropical weather, reef adventures, and welcoming student community. But here’s the thing, the Cost of Living in Cairns can still surprise newcomers who arrive without a clear budget. Between rent, groceries, travel, and daily needs, small costs can add up faster than expected.
This guide breaks down the average cost of living in Cairns across every essential category. You’ll find real price ranges, student insights, and money-saving tips that make living here both affordable and comfortable. Whether you’re moving to university or planning to study in Australia, understanding the average living cost in Cairns will help you manage expenses smartly while enjoying everything this coastal city offers.
Average Cost of Living in Cairns
The average cairns cost of living for students typically ranges between AU$1,300 and AU$2,000 per month, depending on the type of accommodation, area, and lifestyle. Rent accounts for roughly half of this amount, with food and transport following closely behind. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
| Expense Category | Budget (AU$) | Mid-Range (AU$) | Premium (AU$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AU$700-950 | AU$1000-1500 | AU$1800-2300 |
| Food & Groceries | AU$220-300 | AU$350-450 | AU$600-750 |
| Transport | AU$30-70 | AU$90-130 | AU$150-200 |
| Utilities & Internet | AU$100-160 | AU$180-230 | AU$280-350 |
| Entertainment | AU$50-100 | AU$120-200 | AU$300-400 |
| Health Insurance | AU$50-70 | AU$80-100 | AU$130-180 |
| Phone Plan | AU$20-40 | AU$50-60 | AU$70-90 |
| Miscellaneous | AU$80-120 | AU$150-250 | AU$300-400 |
For international students, the Average Cost of Living in Cairns Australia, averages around AU$1,600 per month, making it one of the more affordable regional cities in Queensland.
Housing and Accommodation Costs
Accommodation takes up the largest share of your cost of living in Cairns. The city offers a good mix of student accommodation in Cairns, from modern student apartments to affordable shared homes near universities.
Affordable Neighbourhood Options
Students looking to save on rent often explore areas slightly outside the city centre.
| Neighbourhood | 1-Bedroom(AU$/week) | 2-Bedroom(AU$/week) | 3-Bedroom(AU$/week) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns North | AU$380-480 | AU$520-700 | AU$850-950 |
| Manunda | AU$340-440 | AU$500-650 | AU$750-900 |
| Edge Hill | AU$400-520 | AU$600-750 | AU$850-1000 |
| Westcourt | AU$360-480 | AU$540-680 | AU$800-950 |
| Whitfield | AU$420-550 | AU$620-780 | AU$900-1100 |
Shared student housing in Cairns ranges from AU$200-350 per week, while private studios start from around AU$400-550 per week. Choosing a shared flat can significantly reduce your living cost in Cairns for international students.
Food and Grocery Costs
Your food budget depends mainly on how often you cook at home. Cooking saves a lot; eating out in Cairns can get pricey if done daily.
Weekly Grocery Budget
| Household Size | Budget Range (AU$) | Premium Range (AU$) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person | AU$60-100 | AU$130-180 |
| Couple | AU$120-180 | AU$200-260 |
Dining Out Costs
| Dining type | Average Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Breakfast cafes | AU$12-20 |
| Lunch specials | AU$15-25 |
| Dinner mains | AU$20-35 |
| Coffee | AU$4-6 |
| Takeaway meals | AU$8-15 |
Money-saving tips:
1. Shop for groceries at Coles, Woolworths, or local markets like Rusty’s Market for cheap produce.
2. Cook in bulk and store meals for the week.
3. Check student meal discounts around Cairns Central and the Esplanade area.
Transportation Costs
Cairns is easy to get around in. Most students either walk, cycle, or use the TransLink bus network. Eligible students can apply for a 50% discount on fares.
| Transport type | Costs (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Single trip (student) | AU$1.8-3.0 |
| Weekly cap (student) | AU$20-25 |
| Monthly travel | AU$70-100 |
| Uber (short trip) | AU$8-18 |
| E-scooter rental | AU$1+0.30/minute |
| Bike rental | AU$15-25/day |
If you live near campus or the city, your monthly cost of living in Cairns can drop significantly since you’ll spend little on transport.
Utilities and Internet
Utility costs in Cairns stay relatively stable year-round, though electricity can spike during the humid summer.
| Utility | Monthly Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Electricity | AU$90-160 |
| Gas | AU$25-60 |
| Water | AU$40-70 |
| Internet | AU$60-90 |
| Mobile Plan | AU$20-50 |
Saving tips:
1. Choose student apartments with bills included.
2. Use energy-efficient fans and appliances.
3. Compare mobile and internet providers annually for better deals.
Other Essential Expenses
| Category | Monthly Estimate (AU$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | AU$50-70 | Required for international students |
| Study material | AU$50-100 | Depends on your program |
| Entertainment | AU$60-120 | Weekend outings or streaming |
| Gym/Fitness | AU$25-60 | Student membership is often discounted |
To manage costs effectively, consider exploring universities listed under the best universities in Australia that offer scholarships or student deals.
Safety and Proximity
Cairns is considered a safe, welcoming, and easy-to-navigate destination. Popular student areas such as Edge Hill, Cairns North, and Westcourt are close to universities and have reliable transportation. Living near campus or city bus routes not only adds convenience but also helps reduce the average cost of living in Cairns each month.
Monthly Student Budget
Here’s what a typical mid-range monthly budget for a student in Cairns looks like:
| Expense type | Estimated Monthly Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared studio) | AU$950 |
| Utilities + Internet | AU$170 |
| Food & Groceries | AU$350 |
| Transport | AU$50 |
| Entertainment | AU$100 |
| Miscellaneous | AU$150 |
| Total | AU$1770 |
This is a realistic reflection of the cost of living in Cairns for students balancing comfort and savings.
Saving Tips for Students
If you’re planning to study in Australia, Cairns offers one of the best value-for-money student experiences, beautiful, affordable, and community-driven. Managing the cost of living in Cairns Australia, isn’t about cutting fun - it’s about smart planning.
1. Book Cairns student accommodation early to get cheaper rates.
2. Choose all-inclusive student apartments to avoid surprise bills.
3. Use public transport discounts or cycle to campus.
4. Buy used textbooks or borrow from the library.
5. Attend free community and beach events instead of paid outings.
6. Cook meals at home and share bulk grocery runs with friends.
7. Track your spending monthly to spot avoidable expenses.
Conclusion
The Cost of Living in Cairns as a student remains lower than in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne while offering an unmatched coastal lifestyle. Rent takes up most of your expenses, but transport, food, and utilities remain budget-friendly. With good planning, Cairns Australia cost of living can easily fit within a student budget. If you’re ready to move, explore verified student accommodation in Cairns on amber, from shared apartments to private studios with flexible payments and essential amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cairns Australia cost of living for students?
The Cost of Living in Cairns ranges between AU$1,300 and AU$2,000 per month, depending on your lifestyle and accommodation type.
How much does student accommodation cost in Cairns?
Shared apartments cost AU$200-350 per week, while private studios range from AU$400-550 per week.
Is Cairns cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne for students?
Yes, the living cost in Cairns is around 20% lower compared to Sydney or Melbourne.
How much should I budget for food and groceries in Cairns?
Expect to spend AU$300-450 per month if you cook most meals at home.
Do international students get transport discounts in Cairns?
Yes, students are eligible for a 50% concession on TransLink buses with a valid student ID.