Charlwood vs Morwincha: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Charlwood and Morwincha are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 40.6 km and 40.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $1 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.
Charlwood
Morwincha
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Charlwood | Morwincha | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,757 | $6,758 | -$1 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $3,200 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $1,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $13,233 | $13,234 | -$1 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,668 | $6,668 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Charlwood | Morwincha | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $1,976 | $1,976 | - |
| Unit | $1,591 | $1,591 | - |
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 — Charlwood vs Morwincha (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Charlwood and Morwincha cost within $1 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $11, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $1 per year. Charlwood is 40.6 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,668 and $6,668 a year, so the $1 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Charlwood cumulative | Morwincha cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,233 | $13,234 | $1 |
| Year 3 | $40,902 | $40,905 | $3 |
| Year 5 | $70,256 | $70,261 | $5 |
| Year 10 | $151,702 | $151,713 | $11 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Charlwood or Morwincha cheaper to live in?
Charlwood is cheaper to run by car at $13,233 per year versus $13,234 for Morwincha, a difference of $1 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Charlwood and Morwincha?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Charlwood (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Morwincha (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Charlwood and $1,900 in Morwincha. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Charlwood and Morwincha?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,757 from Charlwood and $6,758 from Morwincha to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Charlwood and $192 from Morwincha.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Charlwood and Morwincha?
At 3% annual cost growth, Charlwood costs a cumulative $151,702 and Morwincha costs $151,713 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $11 in favour of Charlwood. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Charlwood and Morwincha 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: Scenic Rim Regional Council and Scenic Rim 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.