Murray vs Wulguru, 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 Wulguru are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 8.6 km and 7.7 km from Townsville CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $250 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, Wulguru costs about $2,900 less to run than Murray. That's about $6 a week.
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Wulguru
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Murray | Wulguru | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $2,682 | $2,432 | +$250 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $3,600 | $3,600 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,724 | $9,474 | +$250 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,234 | $7,234 | - |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Murray | Wulguru | 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 Wulguru (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Murray and Wulguru cost within $250 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,866, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $250 per year. Murray is 8.6 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, $7,234 and $7,234 a year, so the $250 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 Wulguru by $250 a year, $2,432 against $2,682.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,600 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 | Wulguru cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,724 | $9,474 | $250 |
| Year 3 | $30,056 | $29,283 | $773 |
| Year 5 | $51,626 | $50,299 | $1,327 |
| Year 10 | $111,475 | $108,609 | $2,866 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Murray or Wulguru cheaper to live in?
Wulguru is cheaper to run by car at $9,474 per year versus $9,724 for Murray, a difference of $250 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Murray and Wulguru?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Murray (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Wulguru (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Murray and $2,099 in Wulguru. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Murray and Wulguru?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,682 from Murray and $2,432 from Wulguru to Townsville CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Murray and $192 from Wulguru.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Murray and Wulguru?
At 3% annual cost growth, Murray costs a cumulative $111,475 and Wulguru costs $108,609 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,866 in favour of Wulguru. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Murray and Wulguru suits you better?
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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 insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.