Annandale vs Murray: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Annandale and Murray are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 6.6 km and 8.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $148 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 →Annandale
Murray
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Annandale | Murray | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,046 | $2,594 | -$548 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,600 | $4,200 | +$400 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,088 | $10,236 | -$148 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,234 | $7,834 | +$400 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Annandale | Murray | 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 — Annandale vs Murray (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Annandale and Murray cost within $148 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,696, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $548 per year. Murray is 8.6 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $400 per year, $8,234 from Annandale versus $7,834 from Murray.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Annandale cumulative | Murray cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,088 | $10,236 | $148 |
| Year 3 | $31,181 | $31,638 | $457 |
| Year 5 | $53,559 | $54,344 | $785 |
| Year 10 | $115,648 | $117,344 | $1,696 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Annandale or Murray cheaper to live in?
Annandale is cheaper to run by car at $10,088 per year versus $10,236 for Murray, a difference of $148 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Annandale and Murray?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Annandale (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Murray (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Annandale and $2,099 in Murray. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Annandale and Murray?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,046 from Annandale and $2,594 from Murray to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Annandale and $192 from Murray.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Annandale and Murray?
At 3% annual cost growth, Annandale costs a cumulative $115,648 and Murray costs $117,344 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,696 in favour of Annandale. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Annandale and Murray 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.