Cluden vs Oonoonba: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Cluden and Oonoonba are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 6.4 km and 3.7 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Oonoonba runs $798 a year cheaper than Cluden, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $9,148.
Over 10 years, Oonoonba costs about $9,100 less to run than Cluden — the same as paying $9,100 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Oonoonba
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cluden | Oonoonba | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,990 | $1,192 | +$798 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,200 | $4,200 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,200 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $9,632 | $8,834 | +$798 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,834 | $7,834 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Cluden | Oonoonba | 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 — Cluden vs Oonoonba (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Oonoonba costs $798 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $9,148 in favour of Oonoonba.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $798 per year. Cluden is 6.4 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, $7,834 and $7,834 a year, so the $798 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Cluden cumulative | Oonoonba cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,632 | $8,834 | $798 |
| Year 3 | $29,772 | $27,305 | $2,467 |
| Year 5 | $51,138 | $46,901 | $4,237 |
| Year 10 | $110,420 | $101,272 | $9,148 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cluden or Oonoonba cheaper to live in?
Oonoonba is cheaper to run by car at $8,834 per year versus $9,632 for Cluden, a difference of $798 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Cluden and Oonoonba?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Cluden (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Oonoonba (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Cluden and $2,099 in Oonoonba. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Cluden and Oonoonba?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,990 from Cluden and $1,192 from Oonoonba to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Cluden and $192 from Oonoonba.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Cluden and Oonoonba?
At 3% annual cost growth, Cluden costs a cumulative $110,420 and Oonoonba costs $101,272 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $9,148 in favour of Oonoonba. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Cluden and Oonoonba 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: Townsville City Council and Townsville City 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.