Brisbaneis 5% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (35/10) vs Cairns "Pricey" (37/10). Dorms avg $39/night vs $35/night.
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇦🇺 Brisbane | 🇦🇺 Cairns | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $47 cheaper | $50 | $3/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $84 cheaper | $90 | $6/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $137 cheaper | $145 | $8/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇦🇺 Brisbane | 🇦🇺 Cairns |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $17.77 | $15.64 12% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $42.65 | $42.65 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $8.53 | $7.11 17% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.28 4% less | $4.44 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.36 90% less | $3.55 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇦🇺▼
Brisbane
Australia
35
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $39/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelK2 Brisbane (9.0)
Annual dorm avg$39/night
Total hostels15
🇦🇺▼
Cairns
Australia
37
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $35/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelTravellers Oasis (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$35/night
Total hostels15
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Brisbane & Cairns
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇦🇺 Brisbane
1. Alison Engine Testing Beds Heritage SiteFree
2. Anzac MemorialFree
3. Bartleys Hill LookoutFree
4. Camelia LawnFree
5. Downfall Creek Bushland CentreFree
🇦🇺 Cairns
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Brisbane or Cairns cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Brisbane vs Cairns?+
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