Jensen vs Mount Low: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Jensen and Mount Low are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 18.4 km and 16.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Mount Low runs $422 a year cheaper than Jensen, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $4,838.
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 →Jensen
Mount Low
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Jensen | Mount Low | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,788 | $4,366 | +$422 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,200 | $4,200 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,000 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $12,430 | $12,008 | +$422 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,834 | $7,834 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Jensen | Mount Low | 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 — Jensen vs Mount Low (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mount Low costs $422 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $4,838 in favour of Mount Low.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $422 per year. Jensen is 18.4 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,834 and $7,834 a year, so the $422 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Jensen cumulative | Mount Low cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,430 | $12,008 | $422 |
| Year 3 | $38,420 | $37,116 | $1,304 |
| Year 5 | $65,993 | $63,752 | $2,241 |
| Year 10 | $142,496 | $137,658 | $4,838 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jensen or Mount Low cheaper to live in?
Mount Low is cheaper to run by car at $12,008 per year versus $12,430 for Jensen, a difference of $422 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Jensen and Mount Low?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Jensen (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Mount Low (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Jensen and $2,099 in Mount Low. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Jensen and Mount Low?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,788 from Jensen and $4,366 from Mount Low to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Jensen and $192 from Mount Low.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Jensen and Mount Low?
At 3% annual cost growth, Jensen costs a cumulative $142,496 and Mount Low costs $137,658 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $4,838 in favour of Mount Low. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Jensen and Mount Low 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.