Minbun vs Moregatta: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Minbun and Moregatta are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 67 km and 66.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $23 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 →Minbun
Moregatta
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Minbun | Moregatta | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,165 | $1,165 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,679 | $3,702 | -$23 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,500 | $6,500 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,400 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $13,109 | $13,132 | -$23 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,622 | $9,622 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Minbun | Moregatta | 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 — Minbun vs Moregatta (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Minbun and Moregatta cost within $23 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $264, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $23 per year. Minbun is 67 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, $9,622 and $9,622 a year, so the $23 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Minbun cumulative | Moregatta cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,109 | $13,132 | $23 |
| Year 3 | $40,519 | $40,590 | $71 |
| Year 5 | $69,597 | $69,720 | $123 |
| Year 10 | $150,280 | $150,544 | $264 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Minbun or Moregatta cheaper to live in?
Minbun is cheaper to run by car at $13,109 per year versus $13,132 for Moregatta, a difference of $23 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Minbun and Moregatta?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,165 in Minbun (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,165 in Moregatta (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Minbun and $1,765 in Moregatta. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Minbun and Moregatta?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,679 from Minbun and $3,702 from Moregatta to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Minbun and $192 from Moregatta.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Minbun and Moregatta?
At 3% annual cost growth, Minbun costs a cumulative $150,280 and Moregatta costs $150,544 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $264 in favour of Minbun. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Minbun and Moregatta 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.