Aitkenvale vs Gulliver: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Aitkenvale and Gulliver are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 6.7 km and 5.2 km from Townsville CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $146 a year of each other to run, so running cost is a minor factor here. The decision comes down to schools, risk and lifestyle, all in the free report.
Over 10 years these two cost about the same to run. The difference here isn't money — it's location, schools and lifestyle.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →Aitkenvale
Gulliver
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Aitkenvale | Gulliver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,145 | $1,699 | +$446 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,500 | $4,800 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,087 | $9,941 | +$146 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,134 | $8,434 | -$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Aitkenvale | Gulliver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,373 | $2,373 | - |
| Unit | $1,945 | $1,945 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Aitkenvale vs Gulliver (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Aitkenvale and Gulliver cost within $146 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,674, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $446 per year. Aitkenvale is 6.7 km from Townsville CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $8,134 from Aitkenvale versus $8,434 from Gulliver.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,343 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,099 a year.
- Driving commute favours Gulliver by $446 a year, $1,699 against $2,145.
- Building insurance favours Aitkenvale by $300 a year, $4,500 against $4,800.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Aitkenvale cumulative | Gulliver cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,087 | $9,941 | $146 |
| Year 3 | $31,178 | $30,727 | $451 |
| Year 5 | $53,553 | $52,778 | $775 |
| Year 10 | $115,636 | $113,962 | $1,674 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aitkenvale or Gulliver cheaper to live in?
Gulliver is cheaper to run by car at $9,941 per year versus $10,087 for Aitkenvale, a difference of $146 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Aitkenvale and Gulliver?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Aitkenvale (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Gulliver (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Aitkenvale and $2,099 in Gulliver. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Aitkenvale and Gulliver?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,145 from Aitkenvale and $1,699 from Gulliver to Townsville CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Aitkenvale and $192 from Gulliver.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Aitkenvale and Gulliver?
At 3% annual cost growth, Aitkenvale costs a cumulative $115,636 and Gulliver costs $113,962 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,674 in favour of Gulliver. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Aitkenvale and Gulliver is best to actually live in?
You've got the costs. Get the free personalised report for the rest: a clear verdict on which suburb wins, the full flood, fire and crime risk profile, nearest schools, estimated electricity cost by number of occupants, and your own loan or rent stress-tested over 10 years. No spam.
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Sources: Townsville City Council and Townsville City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.