Picnic Bay vs West Point: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Picnic Bay and West Point are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 9.5 km and 13.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Picnic Bay runs $918 a year cheaper than West Point, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $10,523.
Over 10 years, Picnic Bay costs about $10,500 less to run than West Point — the same as paying $10,500 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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West Point
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Picnic Bay | West Point | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,829 | $3,747 | -$918 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $4,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,000 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $11,071 | $11,989 | -$918 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,434 | $8,434 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Picnic Bay | West Point | 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 — Picnic Bay vs West Point (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Picnic Bay costs $918 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,523 in favour of Picnic Bay.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $918 per year. West Point is 13.3 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, $8,434 and $8,434 a year, so the $918 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Picnic Bay cumulative | West Point cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,071 | $11,989 | $918 |
| Year 3 | $34,219 | $37,057 | $2,838 |
| Year 5 | $58,777 | $63,651 | $4,874 |
| Year 10 | $126,917 | $137,440 | $10,523 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Picnic Bay or West Point cheaper to live in?
Picnic Bay is cheaper to run by car at $11,071 per year versus $11,989 for West Point, a difference of $918 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Picnic Bay and West Point?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Picnic Bay (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in West Point (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Picnic Bay and $2,099 in West Point. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Picnic Bay and West Point?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,829 from Picnic Bay and $3,747 from West Point to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Picnic Bay and $192 from West Point.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Picnic Bay and West Point?
At 3% annual cost growth, Picnic Bay costs a cumulative $126,917 and West Point costs $137,440 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,523 in favour of Picnic Bay. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Picnic Bay and West Point 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.