Florence Bay vs Horseshoe Bay: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Florence Bay and Horseshoe Bay are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 16.7 km and 15.4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $263 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 →Florence Bay
Horseshoe Bay
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Florence Bay | Horseshoe Bay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,465 | $4,202 | +$263 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $4,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,200 | +$600 |
| Total (driving) | $12,707 | $12,444 | +$263 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,434 | $8,434 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Florence Bay | Horseshoe Bay | 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 — Florence Bay vs Horseshoe Bay (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Florence Bay and Horseshoe Bay cost within $263 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,015, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $263 per year. Florence Bay is 16.7 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, $8,434 and $8,434 a year, so the $263 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Florence Bay cumulative | Horseshoe Bay cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,707 | $12,444 | $263 |
| Year 3 | $39,276 | $38,463 | $813 |
| Year 5 | $67,463 | $66,067 | $1,396 |
| Year 10 | $145,672 | $142,657 | $3,015 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Florence Bay or Horseshoe Bay cheaper to live in?
Horseshoe Bay is cheaper to run by car at $12,444 per year versus $12,707 for Florence Bay, a difference of $263 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Florence Bay and Horseshoe Bay?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Florence Bay (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Horseshoe Bay (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Florence Bay and $2,099 in Horseshoe Bay. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Florence Bay and Horseshoe Bay?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,465 from Florence Bay and $4,202 from Horseshoe Bay to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Florence Bay and $192 from Horseshoe Bay.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Florence Bay and Horseshoe Bay?
At 3% annual cost growth, Florence Bay costs a cumulative $145,672 and Horseshoe Bay costs $142,657 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,015 in favour of Horseshoe Bay. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Florence Bay and Horseshoe Bay 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.