Roseneath vs Wulguru: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Roseneath and Wulguru are both Townsville City Council suburbs, sitting 10.8 km and 7.7 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Wulguru runs $805 a year cheaper than Roseneath, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $9,228.
Over 10 years, Wulguru costs about $9,200 less to run than Roseneath — the same as paying $9,200 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Wulguru
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Roseneath | Wulguru | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,343 | $1,343 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,099 | $2,099 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,157 | $2,352 | +$805 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,200 | $4,200 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,200 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $10,799 | $9,994 | +$805 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,834 | $7,834 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Roseneath | Wulguru | 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 — Roseneath vs Wulguru (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Wulguru costs $805 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $9,228 in favour of Wulguru.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $805 per year. Roseneath is 10.8 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, $7,834 and $7,834 a year, so the $805 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Roseneath cumulative | Wulguru cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,799 | $9,994 | $805 |
| Year 3 | $33,379 | $30,890 | $2,489 |
| Year 5 | $57,333 | $53,060 | $4,273 |
| Year 10 | $123,798 | $114,570 | $9,228 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Roseneath or Wulguru cheaper to live in?
Wulguru is cheaper to run by car at $9,994 per year versus $10,799 for Roseneath, a difference of $805 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Roseneath and Wulguru?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,343 in Roseneath (Townsville City Council) and $1,343 in Wulguru (Townsville City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,099 in Roseneath 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 Roseneath and Wulguru?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,157 from Roseneath and $2,352 from Wulguru to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Roseneath and $192 from Wulguru.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Roseneath and Wulguru?
At 3% annual cost growth, Roseneath costs a cumulative $123,798 and Wulguru costs $114,570 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $9,228 in favour of Wulguru. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Roseneath and Wulguru 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.