Cairnsis 7% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (37/10) vs Melbourne "Pricey" (35/10). Dorms avg $35/night vs $41/night.
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇦🇺 Cairns | 🇦🇺 Melbourne | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $50 cheaper | $54 | $4/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $90 cheaper | $95 | $4/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $145 cheaper | $145 | $0/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇦🇺 Cairns | 🇦🇺 Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $15.64 12% less | $17.77 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $42.65 | $42.65 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $7.11 17% less | $8.53 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.44 | $3.83 14% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $3.55 9% less | $3.91 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇦🇺▼
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
🇦🇺▼
Melbourne
Australia
35
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $41/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelSorrento Lodge (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$41/night
Total hostels15
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Cairns & Melbourne
Common Questions
FAQ
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