Idalia vs Murray: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Idalia and Murray are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 5.3 km and 8.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Idalia runs $1,122 a year cheaper than Murray, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $12,862.
Over 10 years, Idalia costs about $12,900 less to run than Murray — the same as paying $12,900 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Idalia | Murray | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,672 | $2,594 | -$922 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,000 | $4,200 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $2,200 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $9,114 | $10,236 | -$1,122 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,634 | $7,834 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Idalia | Murray | 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 — Idalia vs Murray (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Idalia costs $1,122 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $12,862 in favour of Idalia.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $922 per year. Murray is 8.6 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, $7,634 from Idalia versus $7,834 from Murray.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Idalia cumulative | Murray cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,114 | $10,236 | $1,122 |
| Year 3 | $28,170 | $31,638 | $3,468 |
| Year 5 | $48,387 | $54,344 | $5,957 |
| Year 10 | $104,482 | $117,344 | $12,862 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Idalia or Murray cheaper to live in?
Idalia is cheaper to run by car at $9,114 per year versus $10,236 for Murray, a difference of $1,122 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Idalia and Murray?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Idalia (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Murray (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Idalia and $2,099 in Murray. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Idalia and Murray?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,672 from Idalia and $2,594 from Murray to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Idalia and $192 from Murray.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Idalia and Murray?
At 3% annual cost growth, Idalia costs a cumulative $104,482 and Murray costs $117,344 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $12,862 in favour of Idalia. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Idalia and Murray is best to actually live in?
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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.