East Trinity vs Glen Boughton, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
East Trinity and Glen Boughton are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 5.8 km and 5.5 km from Cairns CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $90 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.
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Glen Boughton
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | East Trinity | Glen Boughton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,166 | $1,166 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $1,880 | $1,790 | +$90 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $3,700 | $3,700 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,800 | $1,600 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $8,511 | $8,421 | +$90 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,823 | $6,823 | - |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | East Trinity | Glen Boughton | 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, East Trinity vs Glen Boughton (2026-27)
What the numbers show
East Trinity and Glen Boughton cost within $90 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,032, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $90 per year. East Trinity is 5.8 km from Cairns CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,823 and $6,823 a year, so the $90 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,166 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,765 a year.
- Driving commute favours Glen Boughton by $90 a year, $1,790 against $1,880.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,700 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 | East Trinity cumulative | Glen Boughton cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,511 | $8,421 | $90 |
| Year 3 | $26,307 | $26,028 | $279 |
| Year 5 | $45,186 | $44,708 | $478 |
| Year 10 | $97,569 | $96,537 | $1,032 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is East Trinity or Glen Boughton cheaper to live in?
Glen Boughton is cheaper to run by car at $8,421 per year versus $8,511 for East Trinity, a difference of $90 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in East Trinity and Glen Boughton?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,166 in East Trinity (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,166 in Glen Boughton (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in East Trinity and $1,765 in Glen Boughton. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between East Trinity and Glen Boughton?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,880 from East Trinity and $1,790 from Glen Boughton to Cairns CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from East Trinity and $192 from Glen Boughton.
What is the 10-year cost difference between East Trinity and Glen Boughton?
At 3% annual cost growth, East Trinity costs a cumulative $97,569 and Glen Boughton costs $96,537 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,032 in favour of Glen Boughton. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of East Trinity and Glen Boughton suits you better?
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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 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.