Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇦🇺 Byron Bay | 🇦🇺 Cairns | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | — | $50 | — |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | — | $90 | — |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | — | $145 | — |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇦🇺 Byron Bay | 🇦🇺 Cairns |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | — | $15.64 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | — | $42.65 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | — | $7.11 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | — | $4.44 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | — | $3.55 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇦🇺▼
Byron Bay
Australia
30
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $40/night). Strong hostel scene (8 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelLife in Byron Hostel (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$40/night
Total hostels8
🇦🇺▼
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 Byron Bay & Cairns
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Byron Bay or Cairns cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Byron Bay vs Cairns?+
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