UniLodge John Grey Hall, Cairns

Cairns is a relaxed coastal city in Tropical North Queensland and a popular choice for students who want a mix of quality education and a laid-back lifestyle. With well-known institutes like James Cook University (JCU), Cairns Campus and CQUniversity Cairns, the city attracts students from across Australia and many international students too. Because of this steady student crowd, Cairns has a good range of housing options to match different budgets and lifestyles.

On-campus rooms in Cairns can get booked quickly, especially during peak intakes. That’s why many students choose off-campus student accommodation in Cairns, including ensuite rooms, shared apartments, private rooms, and studio apartments. 

Rental prices in Cairns typically range from AUD $770 to $2,000 per month for student housing, depending on the location, room type, and included bills. Cairns has a severe housing shortage with low vacancy rates, necessitating early searches for accommodation. To make your search easier, you can start with amber’s student accommodation listings provided by top providers like Unilodge Cairns and compare verified student accommodation Cairns in one place. Amber also helps with shortlisting, booking support, and flexible lease options, so students can find a safe and convenient place without stress.

Cairns is a tropical city in Far North Queensland, Australia, located on the Coral Sea. It is one of the most well-known cities in the region because it is the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Cairns began as a small port town in the late 1800s, and today it is a major centre for tourism, education, and student life. Cairns has an estimated population of around 178,000 people (2024), and the city has a mix of locals, students, and international visitors. The natural surroundings and the best suburbs in Cairns make it a great place for students who enjoy outdoor activities, weekend beach time, rainforest trips, and island adventures, all of which are all part of the tropical outdoor lifestyle here.

The city also has fun events that attract Gen Z. The Cairns Festival, held around late August to early September, includes live music, street performances, food stalls, and Australian culture parades. Cairns has strong education options, too. The most popular universities and colleges include James Cook University (JCU), CQUniversity Cairns, and TAFE Queensland (Cairns campus). In global rankings, James Cook University is ranked #=440 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, while CQUniversity is ranked #=499 in QS 2026. This makes Cairns a great student city with a friendly campus environment, affordable student accommodation in Queensland, and a strong student community.

When you move to a new city, your accommodation becomes your “base”; it affects everything from your daily routine to your social life and study focus. In Cairns, students usually look for housing that is close to campus, fits their budget, feels safe, and includes useful extras like Wi-Fi, laundry, study spaces, and social areas. Many students worry that cheaper places may lack safety or great facilities, but that’s not always true. In fact, a lot of cheap student accommodation in Cairns still offers essentials like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, furnished rooms, shared kitchens, and safe living spaces. Since on-campus rooms can fill quickly, many students choose off-campus options like ensuite rooms, shared apartments, and studio rooms. To make the search easier, amber helps students and residents compare verified student accommodation Cairns from a wide selection of properties. You can view key amenities clearly, and get booking support during the process.

Cairns has a few student-friendly areas that suit different lifestyles and budgets. Some students prefer living closer to the city centre so they can easily access cafés, supermarkets, public transport, and part-time job opportunities. Others prefer quieter and more affordable suburbs while still staying connected to universities and colleges.

1. Cairns City (CBD)

Cairns CBD is best for students who want to stay close to cafés, supermarkets, gyms, Cairns Central shopping centre and part-time job spots. You also get easy access to the Esplanade and bus routes, making daily travel simple. Students can find studio rooms, private apartments, and shared Cairns student accommodations here.
Average rent: ~A$320–A$450/week (for units/rooms)

2. Smithfield

Smithfield is a top pick for students studying at James Cook University (JCU) Cairns Campus. It has shopping centres, food spots, and student-friendly rentals. This area is ideal for Cairns student accommodation if you want a shorter commute and a more campus-focused lifestyle.
Average rent: ~A$280–A$420/week

3. Parramatta Park

Parramatta Park is very close to the city centre but feels calmer than the CBD. It offers more affordable student accommodation Cairns options like shared housing and private rooms, and students still get quick access to shops and public transport.
Average rent: ~A$250–A$380/week

4. Manunda

Manunda works well for students who want budget-friendly rentals. It has regular bus connections and is close to daily essentials like supermarkets and local stores. Many students choose this area for shared living and private rooms.
Average rent: ~A$220–A$340/week

5. Earlville

Earlville is popular for its relaxed suburban vibe and easy access to shopping at Stockland Cairns. It is well-connected to the CBD and gives students more space for the price, especially in shared rentals and apartments.
Average rent: ~A$260–A$400/week

Cairns offers a good mix of room types for students, depending on budget, privacy needs, and lifestyle. Since many students in Cairns prefer flexible living (especially international students and first-time movers), you will find both shared and private options across Cairns student accommodation. Most student housing facilities offer high-end security features like CCTV and on-site management.

1. Ensuite Rooms

Ensuite rooms give you a private bedroom with your own attached bathroom. You share the kitchen and common spaces.
Ideal for: Students who want privacy but still like shared living.

2. Non-Ensuite Rooms

Non-ensuite rooms give you a private bedroom and a shared bathroom. This option usually costs less than ensuite rooms.
Ideal for: Students who want a cheaper option for student accommodation in Cairns but still want their own room.

3. Studio Apartments

Studio apartments give you a private bedroom area, bathroom, and kitchen in one unit. You don’t share any spaces.
Ideal for: Students looking for accommodation Cairns who want full independence and quiet.

4. 1-Bed or 2-Bed Apartments

These Cairns student accommodations come with one or two separate bedrooms, along with shared spaces like the kitchen and living room.
Ideal for: Students who want more space, or those planning to live with a friend.

5. Shared Apartments

Shared apartments have multiple bedrooms in one home, and students share the kitchen, bathroom, and living area.
Ideal for: Students who enjoy social living and want to split costs.

6. Private Rooms

Private rooms give you your own bedroom with basic furniture like a bed and a study desk. You may share the kitchen and bathroom, depending on the property.
Ideal for: Students looking for accommodation Cairns with their own space but don’t need a full studio.