Boogan vs Stockton: 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 Stockton are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 80.8 km and 77.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Stockton runs $435 a year cheaper than Boogan, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $4,987.
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
Stockton
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Boogan | Stockton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,165 | $1,165 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,413 | $3,278 | +$135 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,800 | $6,500 | +$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,600 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $13,143 | $12,708 | +$435 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,922 | $9,622 | +$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Boogan | Stockton | 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 Stockton (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Stockton costs $435 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $4,987 in favour of Stockton.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $300 per year.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $9,922 from Boogan versus $9,622 from Stockton.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Boogan cumulative | Stockton cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,143 | $12,708 | $435 |
| Year 3 | $40,624 | $39,279 | $1,345 |
| Year 5 | $69,778 | $67,468 | $2,310 |
| Year 10 | $150,670 | $145,683 | $4,987 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Boogan or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Stockton is cheaper to run by car at $12,708 per year versus $13,143 for Boogan, a difference of $435 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Boogan and Stockton?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,165 in Boogan (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,165 in Stockton (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Boogan and $1,765 in Stockton. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Boogan and Stockton?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,413 from Boogan and $3,278 from Stockton to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Boogan and $192 from Stockton.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Boogan and Stockton?
At 3% annual cost growth, Boogan costs a cumulative $150,670 and Stockton costs $145,683 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $4,987 in favour of Stockton. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Boogan and Stockton 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: 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.