Cowley Creek vs Warrubullen: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Cowley Creek and Warrubullen are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 90.8 km and 88.4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $201 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 →Cowley Creek
Warrubullen
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cowley Creek | Warrubullen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,165 | $1,165 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,835 | $3,734 | +$101 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,900 | $6,800 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,400 | - |
| Total (driving) | $13,665 | $13,464 | +$201 |
| Total (public transport) | $10,022 | $9,922 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Cowley Creek | Warrubullen | 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 — Cowley Creek vs Warrubullen (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Cowley Creek and Warrubullen cost within $201 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,304, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $101 per year. Cowley Creek is 90.8 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, $10,022 and $9,922 a year, so the $201 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Cowley Creek cumulative | Warrubullen cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,665 | $13,464 | $201 |
| Year 3 | $42,237 | $41,616 | $621 |
| Year 5 | $72,549 | $71,482 | $1,067 |
| Year 10 | $156,654 | $154,350 | $2,304 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cowley Creek or Warrubullen cheaper to live in?
Warrubullen is cheaper to run by car at $13,464 per year versus $13,665 for Cowley Creek, a difference of $201 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Cowley Creek and Warrubullen?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,165 in Cowley Creek (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,165 in Warrubullen (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Cowley Creek and $1,765 in Warrubullen. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Cowley Creek and Warrubullen?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,835 from Cowley Creek and $3,734 from Warrubullen to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Cowley Creek and $192 from Warrubullen.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Cowley Creek and Warrubullen?
At 3% annual cost growth, Cowley Creek costs a cumulative $156,654 and Warrubullen costs $154,350 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,304 in favour of Warrubullen. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Cowley Creek and Warrubullen 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.
Related comparisons
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.