Black River vs Jensen: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Black River and Jensen are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 23 km and 18.4 km from Townsville CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Jensen runs $1,376 a year cheaper than Black River, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $15,774.
Over 10 years, Jensen costs about $15,800 less to run than Black River — the same as paying $15,800 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Jensen
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Black River | Jensen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,727 | $4,951 | +$776 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $4,200 | +$600 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $2,200 | -$600 |
| Total (driving) | $13,969 | $12,593 | +$1,376 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,434 | $7,834 | +$600 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Black River | Jensen | 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 — Black River vs Jensen (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Jensen costs $1,376 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $15,774 in favour of Jensen.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $776 per year. Black River is 23 km from Townsville CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $600 per year, $8,434 from Black River versus $7,834 from Jensen.
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 Jensen by $776 a year, $4,951 against $5,727.
- Building insurance favours Jensen by $600 a year, $4,200 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 | Black River cumulative | Jensen cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,969 | $12,593 | $1,376 |
| Year 3 | $43,177 | $38,924 | $4,253 |
| Year 5 | $74,163 | $66,858 | $7,305 |
| Year 10 | $160,139 | $144,365 | $15,774 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Black River or Jensen cheaper to live in?
Jensen is cheaper to run by car at $12,593 per year versus $13,969 for Black River, a difference of $1,376 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Black River and Jensen?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Black River (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Jensen (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Black River and $2,099 in Jensen. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Black River and Jensen?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,727 from Black River and $4,951 from Jensen to Townsville CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Black River and $192 from Jensen.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Black River and Jensen?
At 3% annual cost growth, Black River costs a cumulative $160,139 and Jensen costs $144,365 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $15,774 in favour of Jensen. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Black River and Jensen 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.