Condon vs Thuringowa Central: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Condon and Thuringowa Central are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 13.1 km and 11.1 km from Townsville CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $112 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 →Condon
Thuringowa Central
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Condon | Thuringowa Central | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,828 | $3,340 | +$488 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,200 | $4,800 | -$600 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,470 | $11,582 | -$112 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,834 | $8,434 | -$600 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Condon | Thuringowa Central | 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 — Condon vs Thuringowa Central (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Condon and Thuringowa Central cost within $112 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,284, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $600 per year.
On public transport the gap is $600 per year, $7,834 from Condon versus $8,434 from Thuringowa Central.
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 Thuringowa Central by $488 a year, $3,340 against $3,828.
- Building insurance favours Condon by $600 a year, $4,200 against $4,800.
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 and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Condon cumulative | Thuringowa Central cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,470 | $11,582 | $112 |
| Year 3 | $35,453 | $35,799 | $346 |
| Year 5 | $60,896 | $61,490 | $594 |
| Year 10 | $131,491 | $132,775 | $1,284 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Condon or Thuringowa Central cheaper to live in?
Condon is cheaper to run by car at $11,470 per year versus $11,582 for Thuringowa Central, a difference of $112 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Condon and Thuringowa Central?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Condon (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Thuringowa Central (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Condon and $2,099 in Thuringowa Central. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Condon and Thuringowa Central?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,828 from Condon and $3,340 from Thuringowa Central to Townsville CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Condon and $192 from Thuringowa Central.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Condon and Thuringowa Central?
At 3% annual cost growth, Condon costs a cumulative $131,491 and Thuringowa Central costs $132,775 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,284 in favour of Condon. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Condon and Thuringowa Central 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.