Boogan vs Moresby: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Boogan and Moresby are both Cassowary Coast Regional Council suburbs, sitting 80.8 km and 84.5 km from Cairns CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $162 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
Moresby
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Boogan | Moresby | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,415 | $1,415 | - |
| Water & sewerage stand-in | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,529 | $3,691 | -$162 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,800 | $6,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,400 | - |
| Total (driving) | $13,509 | $13,671 | -$162 |
| Total (public transport) | $10,172 | $10,172 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Boogan's water charge is Cairns Regional Council Water & Sewerage's, standing in until its own council's schedule is loaded. Moresby'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 | Boogan | Moresby | 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 — Boogan vs Moresby (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Boogan and Moresby cost within $162 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,857, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $162 per year. Moresby is 84.5 km from Cairns CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $10,172 and $10,172 a year, so the $162 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 Boogan by $162 a year, $3,529 against $3,691.
- Building insurance is identical at $6,800 a year.
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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Boogan cumulative | Moresby cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,509 | $13,671 | $162 |
| Year 3 | $41,755 | $42,256 | $501 |
| Year 5 | $71,721 | $72,581 | $860 |
| Year 10 | $154,866 | $156,723 | $1,857 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Boogan or Moresby cheaper to live in?
Boogan is cheaper to run by car at $13,509 per year versus $13,671 for Moresby, a difference of $162 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Boogan and Moresby?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,415 in Boogan (Cassowary Coast Regional Council) and $1,415 in Moresby (Cassowary Coast Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Boogan and $1,765 in Moresby. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Boogan and Moresby?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,529 from Boogan and $3,691 from Moresby to Cairns CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Boogan and $192 from Moresby.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Boogan and Moresby?
At 3% annual cost growth, Boogan costs a cumulative $154,866 and Moresby costs $156,723 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,857 in favour of Boogan. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Boogan and Moresby 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: 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.