Finnie vs Mount Rascal: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Finnie and Mount Rascal are both Toowoomba Regional Council suburbs, sitting 9.4 km and 9.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $72 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 →Finnie
Mount Rascal
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Finnie | Mount Rascal | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,444 | $1,444 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,188 | $2,188 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,803 | $2,725 | +$78 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,750 | $1,900 | -$150 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,185 | $8,257 | -$72 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,574 | $5,724 | -$150 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Finnie | Mount Rascal | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,115 | $2,115 | - |
| Unit | $1,696 | $1,696 | - |
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 — Finnie vs Mount Rascal (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Finnie and Mount Rascal cost within $72 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $825, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $150 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,574 and $5,724 a year, so the $72 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Finnie cumulative | Mount Rascal cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,185 | $8,257 | $72 |
| Year 3 | $25,299 | $25,522 | $223 |
| Year 5 | $43,455 | $43,838 | $383 |
| Year 10 | $93,832 | $94,657 | $825 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Finnie or Mount Rascal cheaper to live in?
Finnie is cheaper to run by car at $8,185 per year versus $8,257 for Mount Rascal, a difference of $72 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Finnie and Mount Rascal?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,444 in Finnie (Toowoomba Regional Council) and $1,444 in Mount Rascal (Toowoomba Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,188 in Finnie and $2,188 in Mount Rascal. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Finnie and Mount Rascal?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,803 from Finnie and $2,725 from Mount Rascal to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Finnie and $192 from Mount Rascal.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Finnie and Mount Rascal?
At 3% annual cost growth, Finnie costs a cumulative $93,832 and Mount Rascal costs $94,657 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $825 in favour of Finnie. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Finnie and Mount Rascal 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: Toowoomba Regional Council and Toowoomba 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.