Motley vs Mount Irving: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Motley and Mount Irving are both Toowoomba Regional Council suburbs, sitting 33.5 km and 36.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $38 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 →Motley
Mount Irving
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Motley | Mount Irving | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,444 | $1,444 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,188 | $2,188 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,580 | $6,718 | -$138 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,200 | $2,100 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,412 | $12,450 | -$38 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,024 | $5,924 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Motley | Mount Irving | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,115 | $2,115 | - |
| Unit | $1,696 | $1,696 | - |
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 — Motley vs Mount Irving (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Motley and Mount Irving cost within $38 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $435, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $138 per year. Mount Irving is 36.9 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, $6,024 and $5,924 a year, so the $38 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Motley cumulative | Mount Irving cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,412 | $12,450 | $38 |
| Year 3 | $38,364 | $38,482 | $118 |
| Year 5 | $65,897 | $66,099 | $202 |
| Year 10 | $142,290 | $142,725 | $435 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Motley or Mount Irving cheaper to live in?
Motley is cheaper to run by car at $12,412 per year versus $12,450 for Mount Irving, a difference of $38 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Motley and Mount Irving?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,444 in Motley (Toowoomba Regional Council) and $1,444 in Mount Irving (Toowoomba Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,188 in Motley and $2,188 in Mount Irving. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Motley and Mount Irving?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,580 from Motley and $6,718 from Mount Irving to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Motley and $192 from Mount Irving.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Motley and Mount Irving?
At 3% annual cost growth, Motley costs a cumulative $142,290 and Mount Irving costs $142,725 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $435 in favour of Motley. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Motley and Mount Irving 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: Toowoomba Regional Council and Toowoomba 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.