Kirwan vs Thuringowa Central: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Kirwan and Thuringowa Central are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 10.7 km and 11.1 km from Townsville CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $101 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 →Kirwan
Thuringowa Central
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kirwan | Thuringowa Central | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,239 | $3,340 | -$101 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $4,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,481 | $11,582 | -$101 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,434 | $8,434 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Kirwan | Thuringowa Central | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,373 | $2,373 | - |
| Unit | $1,945 | $1,945 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Kirwan vs Thuringowa Central (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kirwan and Thuringowa Central cost within $101 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,158, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $101 per year. Thuringowa Central is 11.1 km from Townsville CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,434 and $8,434 a year, so the $101 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,343 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,099 a year.
- Driving commute favours Kirwan by $101 a year, $3,239 against $3,340.
- Building insurance is identical at $4,800 a year.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance.
The catchment state school scores 4.9 in Kirwan against 1.9 in Thuringowa Central, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kirwan cumulative | Thuringowa Central cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,481 | $11,582 | $101 |
| Year 3 | $35,487 | $35,799 | $312 |
| Year 5 | $60,954 | $61,490 | $536 |
| Year 10 | $131,617 | $132,775 | $1,158 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kirwan or Thuringowa Central cheaper to live in?
Kirwan is cheaper to run by car at $11,481 per year versus $11,582 for Thuringowa Central, a difference of $101 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kirwan and Thuringowa Central?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Kirwan (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Thuringowa Central (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Kirwan and $2,099 in Thuringowa Central. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Kirwan and Thuringowa Central?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,239 from Kirwan and $3,340 from Thuringowa Central to Townsville CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Kirwan and $192 from Thuringowa Central.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kirwan and Thuringowa Central?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kirwan costs a cumulative $131,617 and Thuringowa Central costs $132,775 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,158 in favour of Kirwan. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kirwan and Thuringowa Central 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.