North Ward vs Townsville City: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
North Ward and Townsville City are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 1.5 km and 0 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $97 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
Townsville City
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | North Ward | Townsville City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $497 | $0 | +$497 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $5,200 | -$400 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,500 | $4,800 | -$1,300 |
| Total (driving) | $8,739 | $8,642 | +$97 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,434 | $8,834 | -$400 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | North Ward | Townsville City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,218 | $2,218 | - |
| Unit | $1,773 | $1,773 | - |
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 — North Ward vs Townsville City (2026-27)
What the numbers show
North Ward and Townsville City cost within $97 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,112, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $497 per year. North Ward is 1.5 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $400 per year, $8,434 from North Ward versus $8,834 from Townsville City.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | North Ward cumulative | Townsville City cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,739 | $8,642 | $97 |
| Year 3 | $27,011 | $26,712 | $299 |
| Year 5 | $46,397 | $45,882 | $515 |
| Year 10 | $100,183 | $99,071 | $1,112 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is North Ward or Townsville City cheaper to live in?
Townsville City is cheaper to run by car at $8,642 per year versus $8,739 for North Ward, a difference of $97 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in North Ward and Townsville City?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in North Ward (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Townsville City (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in North Ward and $2,099 in Townsville City. 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 Townsville City?
Annual driving commute costs are $497 from North Ward and $0 from Townsville City to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from North Ward and $192 from Townsville City.
What is the 10-year cost difference between North Ward and Townsville City?
At 3% annual cost growth, North Ward costs a cumulative $100,183 and Townsville City costs $99,071 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,112 in favour of Townsville City. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of North Ward and Townsville City 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.
Related comparisons
Sources: Townsville City Council and Townsville City 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.