Mossman vs Newell: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Mossman and Newell are both Douglas Shire Council suburbs, sitting 67.5 km and 68.2 km from Cairns CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $171 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 →Mossman
Newell
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Mossman | Newell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,400 | $1,400 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,686 | $3,515 | +$171 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,800 | $6,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,500 | +$300 |
| Total (driving) | $13,651 | $13,480 | +$171 |
| Total (public transport) | $10,157 | $10,157 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Mossman | Newell | 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 — Mossman vs Newell (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mossman and Newell cost within $171 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,960, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $171 per year. Newell is 68.2 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, $10,157 and $10,157 a year, so the $171 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,400 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,765 a year.
- Driving commute favours Newell by $171 a year, $3,515 against $3,686.
- Building insurance is identical at $6,800 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 5.9 in Newell against 3 in Mossman, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Mossman cumulative | Newell cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,651 | $13,480 | $171 |
| Year 3 | $42,194 | $41,665 | $529 |
| Year 5 | $72,475 | $71,567 | $908 |
| Year 10 | $156,493 | $154,533 | $1,960 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mossman or Newell cheaper to live in?
Newell is cheaper to run by car at $13,480 per year versus $13,651 for Mossman, a difference of $171 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Mossman and Newell?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,400 in Mossman (Douglas Shire Council) and $1,400 in Newell (Douglas Shire Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Mossman and $1,765 in Newell. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Mossman and Newell?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,686 from Mossman and $3,515 from Newell to Cairns CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Mossman and $192 from Newell.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Mossman and Newell?
At 3% annual cost growth, Mossman costs a cumulative $156,493 and Newell costs $154,533 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,960 in favour of Newell. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Mossman and Newell 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: Douglas Shire Council and Douglas Shire 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.