Royston vs Villeneuve: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Royston and Villeneuve are both Somerset Regional Council suburbs, sitting 71.1 km and 69.5 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $121 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 →Royston
Villeneuve
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Royston | Villeneuve | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,284 | $1,284 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,003 | $3,082 | -$79 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $3,000 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $1,700 | -$100 |
| Total (driving) | $9,387 | $9,266 | +$121 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,576 | $6,376 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Royston | Villeneuve | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $1,976 | $1,976 | - |
| Unit | $1,591 | $1,591 | - |
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 — Royston vs Villeneuve (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Royston and Villeneuve cost within $121 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,387, 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, $6,576 from Royston versus $6,376 from Villeneuve.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Royston cumulative | Villeneuve cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,387 | $9,266 | $121 |
| Year 3 | $29,014 | $28,640 | $374 |
| Year 5 | $49,837 | $49,194 | $643 |
| Year 10 | $107,611 | $106,224 | $1,387 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Royston or Villeneuve cheaper to live in?
Villeneuve is cheaper to run by car at $9,266 per year versus $9,387 for Royston, a difference of $121 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Royston and Villeneuve?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,284 in Royston (Somerset Regional Council) and $1,284 in Villeneuve (Somerset Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Royston and $1,900 in Villeneuve. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Royston and Villeneuve?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,003 from Royston and $3,082 from Villeneuve to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Royston and $192 from Villeneuve.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Royston and Villeneuve?
At 3% annual cost growth, Royston costs a cumulative $107,611 and Villeneuve costs $106,224 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,387 in favour of Villeneuve. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Royston and Villeneuve 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: Somerset Regional Council and Somerset Regional 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.