Moresby vs Warrubullen: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Moresby and Warrubullen are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 84.5 km and 88.4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $165 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 →Moresby
Warrubullen
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Moresby | Warrubullen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,165 | $1,165 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,569 | $3,734 | -$165 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,800 | $6,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,400 | - |
| Total (driving) | $13,299 | $13,464 | -$165 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,922 | $9,922 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Moresby | Warrubullen | 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 — Moresby vs Warrubullen (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Moresby and Warrubullen cost within $165 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,892, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $165 per year. Warrubullen is 88.4 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, $9,922 and $9,922 a year, so the $165 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Moresby cumulative | Warrubullen cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,299 | $13,464 | $165 |
| Year 3 | $41,106 | $41,616 | $510 |
| Year 5 | $70,606 | $71,482 | $876 |
| Year 10 | $152,458 | $154,350 | $1,892 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Moresby or Warrubullen cheaper to live in?
Moresby is cheaper to run by car at $13,299 per year versus $13,464 for Warrubullen, a difference of $165 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Moresby and Warrubullen?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,165 in Moresby (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,165 in Warrubullen (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Moresby and $1,765 in Warrubullen. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Moresby and Warrubullen?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,569 from Moresby and $3,734 from Warrubullen to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Moresby and $192 from Warrubullen.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Moresby and Warrubullen?
At 3% annual cost growth, Moresby costs a cumulative $152,458 and Warrubullen costs $154,350 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,892 in favour of Moresby. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Moresby and Warrubullen 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.