Gulliver vs Pimlico: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Gulliver and Pimlico are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 5.2 km and 3.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Pimlico runs $589 a year cheaper than Gulliver, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $6,752.
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 →Gulliver
Pimlico
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Gulliver | Pimlico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,643 | $1,254 | +$389 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $4,600 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,885 | $9,296 | +$589 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,434 | $8,234 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Gulliver | Pimlico | 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 — Gulliver vs Pimlico (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Pimlico costs $589 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $6,752 in favour of Pimlico.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $389 per year. Gulliver is 5.2 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, $8,434 from Gulliver versus $8,234 from Pimlico.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Gulliver cumulative | Pimlico cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,885 | $9,296 | $589 |
| Year 3 | $30,554 | $28,733 | $1,821 |
| Year 5 | $52,481 | $49,354 | $3,127 |
| Year 10 | $113,320 | $106,568 | $6,752 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gulliver or Pimlico cheaper to live in?
Pimlico is cheaper to run by car at $9,296 per year versus $9,885 for Gulliver, a difference of $589 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Gulliver and Pimlico?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Gulliver (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Pimlico (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Gulliver and $2,099 in Pimlico. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Gulliver and Pimlico?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,643 from Gulliver and $1,254 from Pimlico to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Gulliver and $192 from Pimlico.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Gulliver and Pimlico?
At 3% annual cost growth, Gulliver costs a cumulative $113,320 and Pimlico costs $106,568 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $6,752 in favour of Pimlico. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Gulliver and Pimlico 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: 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.