Glen Allyn vs North Johnstone: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Glen Allyn and North Johnstone are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 52.3 km and 47.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Glen Allyn runs $1,095 a year cheaper than North Johnstone, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $12,553.
Over 10 years, Glen Allyn costs about $12,600 less to run than North Johnstone — the same as paying $12,600 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →Glen Allyn
North Johnstone
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Glen Allyn | North Johnstone | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,165 | $1,165 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,119 | $6,514 | -$395 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,500 | $7,200 | -$700 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,800 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $15,549 | $16,644 | -$1,095 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,622 | $10,322 | -$700 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Glen Allyn | North Johnstone | 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 — Glen Allyn vs North Johnstone (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Glen Allyn costs $1,095 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $12,553 in favour of Glen Allyn.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $700 per year.
On public transport the gap is $700 per year, $9,622 from Glen Allyn versus $10,322 from North Johnstone.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Glen Allyn cumulative | North Johnstone cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $15,549 | $16,644 | $1,095 |
| Year 3 | $48,060 | $51,445 | $3,385 |
| Year 5 | $82,552 | $88,365 | $5,813 |
| Year 10 | $178,252 | $190,805 | $12,553 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Glen Allyn or North Johnstone cheaper to live in?
Glen Allyn is cheaper to run by car at $15,549 per year versus $16,644 for North Johnstone, a difference of $1,095 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Glen Allyn and North Johnstone?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,165 in Glen Allyn (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,165 in North Johnstone (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Glen Allyn and $1,765 in North Johnstone. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Glen Allyn and North Johnstone?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,119 from Glen Allyn and $6,514 from North Johnstone to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Glen Allyn and $192 from North Johnstone.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Glen Allyn and North Johnstone?
At 3% annual cost growth, Glen Allyn costs a cumulative $178,252 and North Johnstone costs $190,805 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $12,553 in favour of Glen Allyn. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Glen Allyn and North Johnstone 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.
Related comparisons
Sources: Cairns Regional Council and Cairns 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.