Murray vs Roseneath: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Murray and Roseneath are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 8.6 km and 10.8 km from Townsville CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Murray runs $583 a year cheaper than Roseneath, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $6,684.
Over 10 years these two cost about the same to run. The difference here isn't money — it's location, schools and lifestyle.
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Roseneath
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Murray | Roseneath | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,682 | $3,265 | -$583 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,200 | $4,200 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,000 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $10,324 | $10,907 | -$583 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,834 | $7,834 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Murray | Roseneath | 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 — Murray vs Roseneath (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Murray costs $583 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $6,684 in favour of Murray.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $583 per year. Roseneath is 10.8 km from Townsville CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,834 and $7,834 a year, so the $583 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,343 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,099 a year.
- Driving commute favours Murray by $583 a year, $2,682 against $3,265.
- Building insurance is identical at $4,200 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 | Murray cumulative | Roseneath cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,324 | $10,907 | $583 |
| Year 3 | $31,910 | $33,712 | $1,802 |
| Year 5 | $54,812 | $57,907 | $3,095 |
| Year 10 | $118,353 | $125,037 | $6,684 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Murray or Roseneath cheaper to live in?
Murray is cheaper to run by car at $10,324 per year versus $10,907 for Roseneath, a difference of $583 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Murray and Roseneath?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Murray (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Roseneath (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Murray and $2,099 in Roseneath. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Murray and Roseneath?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,682 from Murray and $3,265 from Roseneath to Townsville CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Murray and $192 from Roseneath.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Murray and Roseneath?
At 3% annual cost growth, Murray costs a cumulative $118,353 and Roseneath costs $125,037 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $6,684 in favour of Murray. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Murray and Roseneath 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: Townsville City Council and Townsville City 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.