Garbutt vs Rowes Bay: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Garbutt and Rowes Bay are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 5.3 km and 4.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $158 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 →Garbutt
Rowes Bay
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Garbutt | Rowes Bay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,672 | $1,314 | +$358 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,600 | $4,800 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $2,200 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $9,714 | $9,556 | +$158 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,234 | $8,434 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Garbutt | Rowes 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 — Garbutt vs Rowes Bay (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Garbutt and Rowes Bay cost within $158 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,811, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $358 per year. Garbutt is 5.3 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $8,234 from Garbutt versus $8,434 from Rowes Bay.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Garbutt cumulative | Rowes Bay cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,714 | $9,556 | $158 |
| Year 3 | $30,025 | $29,537 | $488 |
| Year 5 | $51,573 | $50,734 | $839 |
| Year 10 | $111,360 | $109,549 | $1,811 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Garbutt or Rowes Bay cheaper to live in?
Rowes Bay is cheaper to run by car at $9,556 per year versus $9,714 for Garbutt, a difference of $158 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Garbutt and Rowes Bay?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Garbutt (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Rowes Bay (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Garbutt and $2,099 in Rowes Bay. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Garbutt and Rowes Bay?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,672 from Garbutt and $1,314 from Rowes Bay to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Garbutt and $192 from Rowes Bay.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Garbutt and Rowes Bay?
At 3% annual cost growth, Garbutt costs a cumulative $111,360 and Rowes Bay costs $109,549 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,811 in favour of Rowes Bay. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Garbutt and Rowes 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.