Garbutt vs Vincent: 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 Vincent are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 5.3 km and 6.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $32 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
Vincent
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Garbutt | Vincent | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,672 | $1,904 | -$232 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,600 | $4,400 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,714 | $9,746 | -$32 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,234 | $8,034 | +$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 | Vincent | 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 Vincent (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Garbutt and Vincent cost within $32 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $367, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $232 per year. Vincent is 6.1 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 $8,034 from Vincent.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Garbutt cumulative | Vincent cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,714 | $9,746 | $32 |
| Year 3 | $30,025 | $30,124 | $99 |
| Year 5 | $51,573 | $51,743 | $170 |
| Year 10 | $111,360 | $111,727 | $367 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Garbutt or Vincent cheaper to live in?
Garbutt is cheaper to run by car at $9,714 per year versus $9,746 for Vincent, a difference of $32 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Garbutt and Vincent?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Garbutt (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Vincent (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Garbutt and $2,099 in Vincent. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Garbutt and Vincent?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,672 from Garbutt and $1,904 from Vincent to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Garbutt and $192 from Vincent.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Garbutt and Vincent?
At 3% annual cost growth, Garbutt costs a cumulative $111,360 and Vincent costs $111,727 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $367 in favour of Garbutt. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Garbutt and Vincent 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.