Cairns is an outdoorsy city known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Cairns and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or scuba diving with your friends.
How much does it cost to travel to Cairns?
You should plan to spend around $114 (AU$177) per day on your vacation in Cairns. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $48 (AU$74) on meals
- $12 (AU$19) on local transportation
- $84 (AU$131) on hotels
A one week trip to Cairns for two people costs, on average, $1,593 (AU$2,478). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$797
AU$1,239
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,593
AU$2,478
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One Month
Per person
$3,414
AU$5,310
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,593
AU$2,478
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,186
AU$4,956
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,827
AU$10,620
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cairns cost?
A one week trip to Cairns usually costs around $797 (AU$1,239) for one person and $1,593 (AU$2,478) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cairns on average costs around $1,593 (AU$2,478) for one person and $3,186 (AU$4,956) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cairns will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Cairns on average costs around $3,414 (AU$5,310) for one person and $6,827 (AU$10,620) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Cairns expensive to visit?
Cairns is a great city that brings in a diverse crowd of visitors, each with unique travel styles and spending behaviors. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Cairns can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $48 (AU$75) per day, mid-range travelers spend $114 (AU$177) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $264 (AU$411) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cairns.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Cairns is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Pacific for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Lake Tekapo, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Sydney.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cairns Expensive?
Cairns, Australia
How much money do I need for a trip to Cairns?
The average Cairns trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cairns travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cairns cost?
Cairns on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$16
(AU$25)
|
$42
(AU$66)
|
$118
(AU$183)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$5
(AU$7.61)
|
$12
(AU$19)
|
$28
(AU$43)
|
|
Food 2
|
$20
(AU$32)
|
$48
(AU$74)
|
$98
(AU$152)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$16
(AU$25)
|
$37
(AU$57)
|
$70
(AU$109)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-8
(AU$4-13)
|
$7-20
(AU$10-31)
|
$14-42
(AU$22-66)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Cairns on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $48 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Cairns, such as Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns, Travellers Oasis, and Mad Monkey Village. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few. The culinary scene is a major highlight for those visiting Cairns, but budget travelers often eat street food or cook for themselves in hostels, which can mean missing out on delicious local dishes.
So, are you average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Cairns will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $114 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Cairns is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Melaleuca Resort Palm Cove is a solid choice for families, while Paradise On The Beach Resort Palm Cove also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Cairns here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $264 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the city with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Cairns to Port Douglas Private Transfer 1 to 6 pax - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Cairns
Hotel rates in Cairns vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (summer) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $114 to $213. Expect prices to range from $65 for budget hotels to $383 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cairns for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $84 (AU$131). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $42 (AU$66) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cairns? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cairns include:
- South Pacific Bed & Breakfast starting at $67
- Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa starting at $121
- Melaleuca Resort Palm Cove starting at $117
- Paradise On The Beach Resort Palm Cove starting at $91
- Cairns Beach Resort starting at $87
You can save money on accommodation by staying outside the city in Cairns thanks to a good public transit system, though your transportation costs and time spent commuting may rise.
As a family-friendly city, Cairns is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room.
There are numerous resorts in this city to consider. You might find one that provides meals or at least breakfast, and many have onsite restaurants.
With many visitors spending a week in Cairns, it could be useful to book a vacation rental with a kitchen if you're staying longer, so you can cook your meals.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in Cairns
In Cairns, the public transportation system covers key attractions. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall. If you want to save money and get around efficiently, public transit works well when it's near your stop. Taxis and rideshares are readily available across town, too.
Unfortunately, the majority of the city is not very conducive to walking. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $12 (AU$19) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cairns. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cairns is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$12
AU$19
Check that your hotel has accessible parking if you're planning on driving.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Transfer - Cairns Airport to Cairns CBD for $75 details
- PRIVATE TRANSFER Port Douglas & Cairns Airport Minibus (6am-5pm) for $114 details
- Cairns airport to port Douglas private Transfers one way for $143 details
How much does it cost to go to Cairns? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Cairns will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Cairns
The culinary offerings in Cairns are superb, so be sure to dedicate some time to experience all the local flavors. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Cairns can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cairns is $48 (AU$74) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$48
AU$74
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cairns is around $48 (AU$74) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $98. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cairns are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $14 to $33
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
The Esplanade has a high concentration of bars and restaurants that offer guests good food, seafood, and beer. Most places don't open until 11 am so you'll be hard pressed to find a good breakfast option. On the north side of the Esplanade you'll find some more expensive restaurants. If you arrive before 6:30 you might receive an early bird discount of between 20% and 30%. It is best to confirm this in advance.
Away from the Esplanade you'll find small cafes and milkbars that are popular with locals. There's also a decent number of Japanese restaurants around town, but prices are not cheap.
If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Cairns. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Cairns Luxury Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise for $84 details
- Guided Twilight Tour with 3-Course Dinner for $114 details
- Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour & 2 Course Dinner for $93 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cairns
People come to Cairns in droves for nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cairns typically cost an average of $37 (AU$57) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$37
AU$57
There is no shortage of natural beauty around Cairns. The Botanic Gardens have tropical vegetation and the fascinating Gondwana Evolution trail. The Centenary Lakes are across from the Botanic Gardens and have a Rainforest boardwalk through the forest to the lakes. There's also a picnic area where you can enjoy a meal. Lake Placid is in Barron Gorge National Park. It's a beautiful lake that is surrounded by rainforest. Other natural areas worth visiting include Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, Smithfield Conservation Park, Copperlode Dam, Atherton Tableland, and Daintree Rainforest.
Of course, the greatest attraction in the area is the Great Barrier Reef. There are a decent number of operators that run both day and liveaboard scuba diving trips from Cairns. It's best to choose a smaller dive boat where you'll receive more personalized attention. They also travel to areas that are less frequently visited than the larger boats and therefore in better condition.
Museums around town include the Cairns Regional Gallery and Cairns Museum.
Because Cairns is such a popular destination for all travel types, you will find no shortage of facilities in the form of hotels, hostels, restaurants, bars and clubs. If you're looking for a great nightlife, there is always a place open where you can grab a drink or join in some festivities. It is important to realize there is no swimming beach in the central Cairns area. The ocean is actually more of a mud flat. There is a large lagoon style pool in the middle of the city that is quite popular year around. When you head either north or south of the city, there is a much wider selection of swimming beaches.
People head to Cairns not only for the parties but for the adventure sports as well. While you're in the area definitely try your hand at skydiving or scuba diving. If you're flexible with time, the best way to save some money is to go standby. Wait for a cancellation and you could save yourself upwards of $150 on the more expensive activities.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
In Cairns, scuba diving stands out as a top attraction. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.
Beaches:
Many come to Cairns specifically to enjoy the beach life. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).
Hiking:
The hiking in the area surrounding Cairns is really impressive. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.
Shopping:
The shopping experience here is something you have to do. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Cairns. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Mountain Bike Tour - Cairns for $181 details
- Cairns Kuranda Skyrail and Railway Small group tour for $173 details
- Cairns Aquarium and small group City Sightseeing Tour for $130 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Cairns, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
Nightlife Budget in Cairns
The nightlife in Cairns is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $13 (AU$21) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cairns per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
AU$21
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
If you're out drinking at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. You could be a target for pickpockets, so it's wise to stay in a group and with people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Cairns. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Cairns Brewery Tours for $137 details
- From Atherton Tablelands Food and Wine Tasting Tour for $157 details
Traveling in Cairns
The Great Barrier Reef
Most travelers go to Cairns specifically to visit Great Barrier Reef. The city itself is surprisingly large and cosmopolitan with a population of approximately 140,000. The city's economy is almost exclusively based on tourism, although you will find some jobs centered around agriculture, or more specifically sugar cane, bananas, coffee, tea, wine, and some tropical fruits. The city itself is surrounded by rainforest and makes a great base for exploring Kuranda, with the Barron Gorge National Park and the Daintree offering a quieter tropical getaway than Cairns.
Cairns has a tropical monsoon climate with a wet season between November and May. The dry season may still experience some rain and is between June and October. The city receives a decent amount of rain and has hot and humid summers with milder temperatures during the winter months. High temperatures are typically in the high 70s Fahrenheit in July and the high 80s in January. Flooding is not uncommon during the wet season.
Neighborhoods & Around
Cairns runs from Edmonton in the south to Ellis Beach in the north. It's approximately 52 kilometers long from north to south and the city has experienced a significant amount of sprawling development. The Northern Beaches are made up of a good number of communities including Machans Beach, Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Trinity Park, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove, and Ellis Beach. Smithfield is an inland suburb between Yorkeys Knob and Trinity Park and is a hub for these northern beaches. South of Smithfield is Freshwater Valley, which includes the suburbs of Caravonica, Kamerunga, Freshwater, and Stratford. Cairns's city center is near the suburbs of Cairns North, Parramatta Park, Bungalow, and Portsmith.
Cairns's is an energetic travel destination with plenty of backpacker havens and parties. A quieter alternative is to stay outside of Cairns at a beachside resort, of which there is no shortage. It is just as easy to book a snorkeling or scuba diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef from these resorts, and you will avoid some of the crowd and chaos of the city. These resorts may actually be more expensive, but they often include many amenities and offer a wonderful spa style vacation.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.