Cost of Living in Port Douglas - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,029 (excluding rent), and $2,224 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,520 (excluding rent), and $4,403 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$11.93 A$18.28
$5.3 A$8.12
$39.77 A$60.9
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$80.8 A$124
$48.46 A$74.2
$129 A$198
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.6 A$16.23
$8.34 A$12.78
$11.56 A$17.71
Cappuccino
$3.79 A$5.81
$3.2 A$4.9
$4.48 A$6.87
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.72 A$4.17
$2.22 A$3.4
$3.79 A$5.81
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.23 A$3.42
$1.91 A$2.92
$3.18 A$4.87
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.55 A$10.03
$3.93 A$6.02
$8.52 A$13.05
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.29 A$11.16
$5.96 A$9.13
$9.28 A$14.22
πŸ›’ Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.66 A$2.55
$0.8 A$1.22
$2.56 A$3.92
White Bread (500g)
$2.53 A$3.88
$1.04 A$1.59
$4.01 A$6.15
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.79 A$4.27
$0.93 A$1.42
$3.97 A$6.08
Eggs
$3.88 A$5.94
$2.66 A$4.07
$5.32 A$8.15
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.82 A$11.98
$6.34 A$9.71
$9.52 A$14.58
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.16 A$14.04
$6.4 A$9.81
$12.82 A$19.64
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.84 A$19.66
$12.51 A$19.17
$13.17 A$20.18
Apples (1kg)
$2.92 A$4.48
$2.52 A$3.87
$3.79 A$5.8
Banana (1kg)
$2.22 A$3.41
$1.28 A$1.96
$3.2 A$4.9
Oranges (1kg)
$2.75 A$4.21
$1.3 A$1.99
$2.97 A$4.55
Tomato (1kg)
$7.02 A$10.76
$3.8 A$5.83
$9.9 A$15.17
Potato (1kg)
$2.22 A$3.41
$1.6 A$2.45
$2.55 A$3.9
Onion (1kg)
$2.22 A$3.41
$1.84 A$2.82
$2.54 A$3.89
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.33 A$3.57
$1.78 A$2.72
$2.96 A$4.53
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$3 A$4.59
$0.66 A$1.02
$4.65 A$7.13
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$29.28 A$44.86
$29.28 A$44.86
$29.28 A$44.86
Wine (Bottle)
$13.18 A$20.2
$9.89 A$15.15
$19.77 A$30.29
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.29 A$5.04
$1.61 A$2.47
$4.18 A$6.4
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.48 A$5.33
$1.9 A$2.91
$4.42 A$6.78
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.76 A$4.23
$2.01 A$3.07
$3.45 A$5.29
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$58.1 A$88.9
$20.31 A$31.12
$58.1 A$88.9
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$6.67 A$10.22
$6.67 A$10.22
$6.67 A$10.22
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.68 A$2.58
$1.51 A$2.32
$1.98 A$3.03
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$29.87 A$45.77
$28.95 A$44.35
$36.19 A$55.4
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.12 A$1.71
$1.05 A$1.6
$1.16 A$1.77
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.1K A$35.3K
$23.1K A$35.3K
$29.3K A$44.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$19.5K A$29.9K
$19.5K A$29.9K
$19.5K A$29.9K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$151 A$231
$64.6 A$99
$245 A$376
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$36.7 A$56.2
$22.67 A$34.73
$51.8 A$79.4
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$59.9 A$91.7
$49.2 A$75.4
$85.3 A$131
πŸŽ‰ Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$53.8 A$82.5
$21.53 A$32.99
$64.6 A$99
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$13.58 A$20.81
$6.75 A$10.35
$13.58 A$20.81
Cinema Ticket
$13.04 A$19.98
$13.04 A$19.98
$14.34 A$21.98
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,821 A$2,790
$997 A$1,527
$2,476 A$3,793
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$11.4K A$17.5K
$6,188 A$9,480
$16.7K A$25.6K
πŸ‘•πŸ‘Ÿ Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$85.7 A$131
$19.82 A$30.36
$99.1 A$152
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$67.1 A$103
$58.4 A$89.5
$77.9 A$119
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$100 A$154
$32.81 A$50.3
$118 A$181
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$138 A$211
$65.6 A$100
$164 A$251
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,197 A$1,834
$986 A$1,511
$1,264 A$1,936
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,157 A$1,772
$720 A$1,103
$1,288 A$1,973
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,970 A$3,018
$1,589 A$2,434
$2,415 A$3,699
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,698 A$2,601
$1,315 A$2,015
$1,973 A$3,023
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$6,247 A$9,571
$5,012 A$7,678
$8,295 A$12.7K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,374 A$8,232
$3,644 A$5,583
$7,288 A$11.2K
πŸ’΅ Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.96
6
7.9
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Port Douglas - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Port Douglas affordable overall for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get the best value here?
Port Douglas sits at a premium among Australian coastal towns thanks to its resort vibe and natural appeal. For travelers on a short stint, meals and activities can be pricier than inland cities, while long-term stays may unlock seasonal deals on accommodation. The Cost of Living in Port Douglas, Australia reflects this mix: essentials like groceries and transport sit at mid-range levels, with occasional bumps during peak season. You’ll find value in staying slightly inland from the promenade, choosing a comfortable apartment with a kitchen, and using local markets for fresh produce. Tip: Plan a flexible budget that accounts for seasonal swings and occasional tours.
What does daily life look like in Port Douglas in terms of housing search, groceries, transport, and coworking?
Daily life centers on a compact town core and a laid-back beach vibe. Housing options range from modest apartments to holiday villas; many rentals appear through local agents or short-term platforms, so start with a clear lease window and a bit of patience. Grocery runs are easy with small supermarkets and farmers markets nearby, and you’ll often pay a premium for convenience. Transport is best with a car or bicycle; some areas are walkable, and shuttle services connect to the marina and reef excursions. Co-working spaces cater to remote workers, with cafΓ©s doubling as work hubs. Port Douglas, Australia living cost keeps nudging expectations higher during peak season. Tip: schedule errands for off-peak hours to save time and money.
What’s the best budgeting approach and neighborhood fit for a high-quality of life in Port Douglas, considering seasonality and lifestyle?
Quality of life here rewards a balanced approach: you’re close to beaches, markets, and nature, but tourist demand can push prices and crowds in peak windows. Use a simple budgeting framework: split a baseline for housing, groceries, utilities, and transport, then set a flexible category for activities and short trips. Neighborhood fit depends on pace and access – Four Mile Beach offers beachy calm with reef access, while the town center skews toward nightlife and cafΓ©s; inland strips are quieter but farther from the coastline. Remember seasonality; shoulder months can smooth costs and crowds and improve rental availability. Tip: pair a short-term stay with a longer-term lease to compare vibes.
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