Karratha offers a materially higher gross yield (6.9% vs 4.5%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Karratha achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Cairns requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even.
Research context only. Not financial advice. Both markets carry distinct risks specific to their location, employment base, and economic profile. Read the individual suburb research pages before drawing conclusions. All policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation.
| Metric | Cairns QLD · #29 | Karratha WA · #10 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 4.5% | 6.9% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.1% | 1.2% |
| Median Price | $613k | $490k |
| Weekly Rent | $525/wk | $650/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | $-4,550 | +$8,320 |
| Cashflow | Slightly-Negative | Positive |
| Rent Growth 12m | +6.8% | +5% |
| Price Growth 12m | +9.4% | +7% |
| NG Dependence | Medium | None |
| Discovery Status | Known | Emerging |
| Population | 160k | 17k |
| Cycle Stage | Early-Mid | Mid |
| Policy Impact | ◆ NEUTRAL | ▲ STRONG UPGRADE |
| Signal Score | 52 / Tier 2 | 63 / Tier 1 |
Cairns is Australia's gateway to the Great Barrier Reef — a major international tourism hub with Cairns Airport as a primary employer alongside healthcare (Cairns Hospital) and government services. Residential rental demand is underpinned by permanent resident workers, not purely tourism workers. At $612,500 and $525/wk, cashflow is slightly negative at standard LVR. Vacancy at 1.1% is tight. Note: broader Cairns LGA median house prices are materially higher than the Cairns City suburb figure used here.
$650/wk rent at $490k is one of the best risk-adjusted yield profiles in Australia for a town with genuine long-term employment. Woodside's Pluto LNG trains are 30+ year assets. Cashflow positive by $8,320/yr pre-cost. High income residents make for reliable tenants.
realestate.com.au Cairns City suburb median, Jun 2025–May 2026. Verify against REIQ for wider LGA. Data quality: imported.
Data vintage: 2026
CoreLogic WA Q1 2025 · REIWA Karratha median Q4 2024 · SQM Research · Woodside investor presentation 2024 · Pilbara Regional Council housing report 2024
Data vintage: Q1 2025
The interactive tool lets you add up to 4 suburbs for a full side-by-side breakdown with score components.
Research only. Not financial advice. Data vintage Q1 2025 (indicative estimates from public sources). Verify all metrics independently with local property managers and licensed advisers before making any investment decision. All negative gearing and budget policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation. Consult a registered tax adviser for personal tax position.