Bungalow vs Westcourt: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Bungalow and Westcourt are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 3.1 km and 3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $269 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 →Bungalow
Westcourt
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Bungalow | Westcourt | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,165 | $1,165 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,007 | $976 | +$31 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,500 | $6,800 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,437 | $10,706 | -$269 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,622 | $9,922 | -$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Bungalow | Westcourt | 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 — Bungalow vs Westcourt (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bungalow and Westcourt cost within $269 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,083, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $300 per year.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $9,622 from Bungalow versus $9,922 from Westcourt.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Bungalow cumulative | Westcourt cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,437 | $10,706 | $269 |
| Year 3 | $32,260 | $33,091 | $831 |
| Year 5 | $55,411 | $56,840 | $1,429 |
| Year 10 | $119,649 | $122,732 | $3,083 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bungalow or Westcourt cheaper to live in?
Bungalow is cheaper to run by car at $10,437 per year versus $10,706 for Westcourt, a difference of $269 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Bungalow and Westcourt?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,165 in Bungalow (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,165 in Westcourt (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Bungalow and $1,765 in Westcourt. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Bungalow and Westcourt?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,007 from Bungalow and $976 from Westcourt to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Bungalow and $192 from Westcourt.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Bungalow and Westcourt?
At 3% annual cost growth, Bungalow costs a cumulative $119,649 and Westcourt costs $122,732 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,083 in favour of Bungalow. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Bungalow and Westcourt 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.