Cow Bay vs Kimberley: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Cow Bay and Kimberley are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 85.5 km and 81.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $178 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 →Cow Bay
Kimberley
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cow Bay | Kimberley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,165 | $1,165 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,612 | $3,434 | +$178 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $7,200 | $7,200 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $1,500 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $13,742 | $13,564 | +$178 |
| Total (public transport) | $10,322 | $10,322 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Cow Bay | Kimberley | 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 — Cow Bay vs Kimberley (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Cow Bay and Kimberley cost within $178 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,041, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $178 per year. Cow Bay is 85.5 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, $10,322 and $10,322 a year, so the $178 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Cow Bay cumulative | Kimberley cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,742 | $13,564 | $178 |
| Year 3 | $42,475 | $41,925 | $550 |
| Year 5 | $72,958 | $72,013 | $945 |
| Year 10 | $157,537 | $155,496 | $2,041 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cow Bay or Kimberley cheaper to live in?
Kimberley is cheaper to run by car at $13,564 per year versus $13,742 for Cow Bay, a difference of $178 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Cow Bay and Kimberley?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,165 in Cow Bay (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,165 in Kimberley (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Cow Bay and $1,765 in Kimberley. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Cow Bay and Kimberley?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,612 from Cow Bay and $3,434 from Kimberley to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Cow Bay and $192 from Kimberley.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Cow Bay and Kimberley?
At 3% annual cost growth, Cow Bay costs a cumulative $157,537 and Kimberley costs $155,496 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,041 in favour of Kimberley. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Cow Bay and Kimberley 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: 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.