Basilisk vs Warrubullen: 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 Warrubullen are both Cassowary Coast Regional Council suburbs, sitting 86.6 km and 88.4 km from Cairns CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $122 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 →Basilisk
Warrubullen
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Basilisk | Warrubullen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,415 | $1,415 | - |
| Water & sewerage stand-in | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,783 | $3,861 | -$78 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $7,000 | $6,800 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,400 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $13,963 | $13,841 | +$122 |
| Total (public transport) | $10,372 | $10,172 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Basilisk's water charge is Cairns Regional Council Water & Sewerage's, standing in until its own council's schedule is loaded. Warrubullen'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 | Warrubullen | 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 Warrubullen (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Basilisk and Warrubullen cost within $122 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,398, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $200 per year.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $10,372 from Basilisk versus $10,172 from Warrubullen.
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 $78 a year, $3,783 against $3,861.
- Building insurance favours Warrubullen by $200 a year, $6,800 against $7,000.
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 | Warrubullen cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,963 | $13,841 | $122 |
| Year 3 | $43,158 | $42,781 | $377 |
| Year 5 | $74,131 | $73,484 | $647 |
| Year 10 | $160,070 | $158,672 | $1,398 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Basilisk or Warrubullen cheaper to live in?
Warrubullen is cheaper to run by car at $13,841 per year versus $13,963 for Basilisk, a difference of $122 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Basilisk and Warrubullen?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,415 in Basilisk (Cassowary Coast Regional Council) and $1,415 in Warrubullen (Cassowary Coast Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Basilisk and $1,765 in Warrubullen. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Basilisk and Warrubullen?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,783 from Basilisk and $3,861 from Warrubullen to Cairns CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Basilisk and $192 from Warrubullen.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Basilisk and Warrubullen?
At 3% annual cost growth, Basilisk costs a cumulative $160,070 and Warrubullen costs $158,672 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,398 in favour of Warrubullen. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Basilisk and Warrubullen 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.
Related comparisons
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 AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.