Basilisk vs Bombeeta, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Basilisk and Bombeeta are both Cassowary Coast Regional Council suburbs, sitting 86.6 km and 87.5 km from Cairns CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $11 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.
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Bombeeta
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Basilisk | Bombeeta | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,415 | $1,415 | - |
| Water & sewerage Estimated stand-in | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $3,783 | $3,822 | -$39 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $3,783 | $3,822 | -$39 |
| Home insurance Estimated | $3,700 | $3,650 | +$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,663 | $10,652 | +$11 |
| Total (public transport) | $10,663 | $10,652 | +$11 |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Basilisk's water charge is Cairns Regional Council Water & Sewerage's, standing in until its own council's schedule is loaded. Bombeeta's water charge is Cairns Regional Council Water & Sewerage's, standing in until its own council's schedule is loaded. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Basilisk | Bombeeta | 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, Basilisk vs Bombeeta (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Basilisk and Bombeeta cost within $11 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $126, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $50 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $10,663 and $10,652 a year, so the $11 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,415 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,765 a year.
- Driving commute favours Basilisk by $39 a year, $3,783 against $3,822.
- Building insurance favours Bombeeta by $50 a year, $3,650 against $3,700.
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 | Basilisk cumulative | Bombeeta cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,663 | $10,652 | $11 |
| Year 3 | $32,958 | $32,924 | $34 |
| Year 5 | $56,611 | $56,553 | $58 |
| Year 10 | $122,239 | $122,113 | $126 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Basilisk or Bombeeta cheaper to live in?
Bombeeta is cheaper to run by car at $10,652 per year versus $10,663 for Basilisk, a difference of $11 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Basilisk and Bombeeta?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,415 in Basilisk (Cassowary Coast Regional Council) and $1,415 in Bombeeta (Cassowary Coast Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Basilisk and $1,765 in Bombeeta. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Basilisk and Bombeeta?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,783 from Basilisk and $3,822 from Bombeeta to Cairns CBD (ATO 91c/km). No daily public transport commute is assumed from either suburb, so both are costed by car.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Basilisk and Bombeeta?
At 3% annual cost growth, Basilisk costs a cumulative $122,239 and Bombeeta costs $122,113 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $126 in favour of Bombeeta. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Basilisk and Bombeeta suits you better?
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Sources: Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Cassowary Coast Regional Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.