Moving to Cairns in 2026: Gateway to the Reef and a Growing Regional City

Cairns has always been known as the launching point for the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree. What is less well known is that it is also a functioning city of 180,000 people with a strong healthcare sector, a significant university presence through James Cook University, and an economy that is more diversified than its tourism reputation suggests.

Why Cairns

The lifestyle proposition is unique: reef, rainforest, mountains and a city that operates at a pace most southern Australians find refreshing. The climate — tropical, warm year-round — suits those who have had enough of winter. Outdoor activities are genuinely world-class. The food scene has improved significantly in the past decade.

Cost of living

Cairns is one of the more affordable cities on the north Queensland coast. House prices are a fraction of Brisbane and well below Townsville for comparable properties. The rental market has tightened with increased migration from the south but remains manageable. Groceries are slightly higher than Brisbane due to transport costs.

Jobs

Tourism, health, education and government are the pillars of the local economy. Cairns Hospital is a major regional referral centre. JCU offers courses from nursing to marine biology. For those with skills in trades or health, the city can be very competitive on wages given housing affordability.

Getting there and around

Cairns Airport has direct flights to major capitals and to international destinations across Asia and the Pacific. There is no rail connection to Brisbane, but the Sunlander and Spirit of Queensland connect (slowly) for those with time. Driving within Cairns is the norm.

This article was compiled by AI from the sources linked above and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.