Cluden vs Wulguru: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Cluden and Wulguru are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 6.4 km and 7.7 km from Townsville CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Cluden runs $374 a year cheaper than Wulguru, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $4,287.
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 →Cluden
Wulguru
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cluden | Wulguru | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,058 | $2,432 | -$374 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,200 | $4,200 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,200 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $9,700 | $10,074 | -$374 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,834 | $7,834 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Cluden | Wulguru | 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 — Cluden vs Wulguru (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Cluden costs $374 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $4,287 in favour of Cluden.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $374 per year. Wulguru is 7.7 km from Townsville CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,834 and $7,834 a year, so the $374 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,343 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,099 a year.
- Driving commute favours Cluden by $374 a year, $2,058 against $2,432.
- Building insurance is identical at $4,200 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 | Cluden cumulative | Wulguru cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,700 | $10,074 | $374 |
| Year 3 | $29,982 | $31,138 | $1,156 |
| Year 5 | $51,499 | $53,484 | $1,985 |
| Year 10 | $111,200 | $115,487 | $4,287 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cluden or Wulguru cheaper to live in?
Cluden is cheaper to run by car at $9,700 per year versus $10,074 for Wulguru, a difference of $374 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Cluden and Wulguru?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Cluden (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Wulguru (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Cluden and $2,099 in Wulguru. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Cluden and Wulguru?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,058 from Cluden and $2,432 from Wulguru to Townsville CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Cluden and $192 from Wulguru.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Cluden and Wulguru?
At 3% annual cost growth, Cluden costs a cumulative $111,200 and Wulguru costs $115,487 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $4,287 in favour of Cluden. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Cluden and Wulguru 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.