Boogan vs Currajah: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Boogan and Currajah are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 80.8 km and 76.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $223 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 →Boogan
Currajah
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Boogan | Currajah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,165 | $1,165 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,413 | $3,236 | +$177 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,800 | $7,200 | -$400 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,400 | - |
| Total (driving) | $13,143 | $13,366 | -$223 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,922 | $10,322 | -$400 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Boogan | Currajah | 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 — Boogan vs Currajah (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Boogan and Currajah cost within $223 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,556, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $400 per year.
On public transport the gap is $400 per year, $9,922 from Boogan versus $10,322 from Currajah.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Boogan cumulative | Currajah cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,143 | $13,366 | $223 |
| Year 3 | $40,624 | $41,313 | $689 |
| Year 5 | $69,778 | $70,962 | $1,184 |
| Year 10 | $150,670 | $153,226 | $2,556 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Boogan or Currajah cheaper to live in?
Boogan is cheaper to run by car at $13,143 per year versus $13,366 for Currajah, a difference of $223 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Boogan and Currajah?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,165 in Boogan (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,165 in Currajah (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Boogan and $1,765 in Currajah. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Boogan and Currajah?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,413 from Boogan and $3,236 from Currajah to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Boogan and $192 from Currajah.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Boogan and Currajah?
At 3% annual cost growth, Boogan costs a cumulative $150,670 and Currajah costs $153,226 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,556 in favour of Boogan. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Boogan and Currajah 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: Cairns Regional Council and Cairns Regional 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.