North Ward vs South Townsville: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
North Ward and South Townsville are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 1.5 km and 1.6 km from Townsville CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $166 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 →North Ward
South Townsville
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | North Ward | South Townsville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $514 | $548 | -$34 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $4,600 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,500 | $2,200 | +$1,300 |
| Total (driving) | $8,756 | $8,590 | +$166 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,434 | $8,234 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | North Ward | South Townsville | 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 — North Ward vs South Townsville (2026-27)
What the numbers show
North Ward and South Townsville cost within $166 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,903, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $200 per year.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $8,434 from North Ward versus $8,234 from South Townsville.
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 North Ward by $34 a year, $514 against $548.
- Building insurance favours South Townsville by $200 a year, $4,600 against $4,800.
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 and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | North Ward cumulative | South Townsville cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,756 | $8,590 | $166 |
| Year 3 | $27,064 | $26,551 | $513 |
| Year 5 | $46,487 | $45,605 | $882 |
| Year 10 | $100,378 | $98,475 | $1,903 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is North Ward or South Townsville cheaper to live in?
South Townsville is cheaper to run by car at $8,590 per year versus $8,756 for North Ward, a difference of $166 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in North Ward and South Townsville?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in North Ward (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in South Townsville (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in North Ward and $2,099 in South Townsville. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between North Ward and South Townsville?
Annual driving commute costs are $514 from North Ward and $548 from South Townsville to Townsville CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from North Ward and $192 from South Townsville.
What is the 10-year cost difference between North Ward and South Townsville?
At 3% annual cost growth, North Ward costs a cumulative $100,378 and South Townsville costs $98,475 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,903 in favour of South Townsville. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of North Ward and South Townsville 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.