Both markets have comparable gross yields (4.5% vs 4.1%). Both markets carry similar cashflow positions under current yield and interest rate assumptions.
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 | Orange NSW · #22 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 4.5% | 4.1% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.1% | 1.2% |
| Median Price | $613k | $745k |
| Weekly Rent | $525/wk | $590/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | $-4,550 | $-8,060 |
| Cashflow | Slightly-Negative | Negative |
| Rent Growth 12m | +6.8% | +5.5% |
| Price Growth 12m | +9.4% | +6.2% |
| NG Dependence | Medium | High |
| Discovery Status | Known | Emerging |
| Population | 160k | 42k |
| Cycle Stage | Early-Mid | Early-Mid |
| Policy Impact | ◆ NEUTRAL | ▼ DOWNGRADED |
| Signal Score | 52 / Tier 2 | 54 / Tier 2 |
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.
Orange has moved materially as a lifestyle and sea-change destination for inland NSW. At $745k, the yield of 4.1% no longer supports cashflow-positive investing at standard LVR. The economy is diversified — Orange Base Hospital, Cadia gold and copper mine services, and Charles Sturt University — but the price growth has run ahead of rental income. New builds remain eligible for NG under current policy settings.
realestate.com.au Cairns City suburb median, Jun 2025–May 2026. Verify against REIQ for wider LGA. Data quality: imported.
Data vintage: 2026
2026 median house data. Source: realestate.com.au. Data quality: imported. Verify before transacting.
Data vintage: 2026
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.