Aitkenvale vs Gulliver: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Aitkenvale and Gulliver are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 6.7 km and 5.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $131 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) | $2,074 | $1,643 | +$431 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,500 | $4,800 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,016 | $9,885 | +$131 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,134 | $8,434 | -$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Aitkenvale | Gulliver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,218 | $2,218 | - |
| Unit | $1,773 | $1,773 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2025 rates (QLD 30c/kWh, NSW 33c/kWh incl. supply charge; 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 $131 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,502, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $431 per year. Aitkenvale is 6.7 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $8,134 from Aitkenvale versus $8,434 from Gulliver.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Aitkenvale cumulative | Gulliver cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,016 | $9,885 | $131 |
| Year 3 | $30,958 | $30,554 | $404 |
| Year 5 | $53,176 | $52,481 | $695 |
| Year 10 | $114,822 | $113,320 | $1,502 |
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 $9,885 per year versus $10,016 for Aitkenvale, a difference of $131 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/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 $2,074 from Aitkenvale and $1,643 from Gulliver to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/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 $114,822 and Gulliver costs $113,320 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,502 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.