Manoora vs Mooroobool: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Manoora and Mooroobool are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 4.4 km and 5.5 km from Cairns CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Manoora runs $337 a year cheaper than Mooroobool, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,863.
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 →Manoora
Mooroobool
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Manoora | Mooroobool | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,166 | $1,166 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,453 | $1,790 | -$337 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,200 | $6,200 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,000 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $10,584 | $10,921 | -$337 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,323 | $9,323 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Manoora | Mooroobool | 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 — Manoora vs Mooroobool (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Manoora costs $337 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,863 in favour of Manoora.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $337 per year. Mooroobool is 5.5 km from Cairns CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $9,323 and $9,323 a year, so the $337 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,166 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,765 a year.
- Driving commute favours Manoora by $337 a year, $1,453 against $1,790.
- Building insurance is identical at $6,200 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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Manoora cumulative | Mooroobool cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,584 | $10,921 | $337 |
| Year 3 | $32,714 | $33,756 | $1,042 |
| Year 5 | $56,192 | $57,981 | $1,789 |
| Year 10 | $121,334 | $125,197 | $3,863 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Manoora or Mooroobool cheaper to live in?
Manoora is cheaper to run by car at $10,584 per year versus $10,921 for Mooroobool, a difference of $337 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Manoora and Mooroobool?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,166 in Manoora (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,166 in Mooroobool (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Manoora and $1,765 in Mooroobool. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Manoora and Mooroobool?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,453 from Manoora and $1,790 from Mooroobool to Cairns CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Manoora and $192 from Mooroobool.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Manoora and Mooroobool?
At 3% annual cost growth, Manoora costs a cumulative $121,334 and Mooroobool costs $125,197 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,863 in favour of Manoora. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Manoora and Mooroobool 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.