Smithfield vs Yorkeys Knob: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Smithfield and Yorkeys Knob are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 14 km and 12 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $56 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 →Smithfield
Yorkeys Knob
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Smithfield | Yorkeys Knob | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,165 | $1,165 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,903 | $3,447 | +$456 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,800 | $7,200 | -$400 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,400 | +$400 |
| Total (driving) | $13,633 | $13,577 | +$56 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,922 | $10,322 | -$400 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Smithfield | Yorkeys Knob | 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 — Smithfield vs Yorkeys Knob (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Smithfield and Yorkeys Knob cost within $56 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $642, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $456 per year. Smithfield is 14 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, $9,922 from Smithfield versus $10,322 from Yorkeys Knob.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Smithfield cumulative | Yorkeys Knob cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,633 | $13,577 | $56 |
| Year 3 | $42,138 | $41,965 | $173 |
| Year 5 | $72,379 | $72,082 | $297 |
| Year 10 | $156,287 | $155,645 | $642 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Smithfield or Yorkeys Knob cheaper to live in?
Yorkeys Knob is cheaper to run by car at $13,577 per year versus $13,633 for Smithfield, a difference of $56 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Smithfield and Yorkeys Knob?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,165 in Smithfield (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,165 in Yorkeys Knob (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Smithfield and $1,765 in Yorkeys Knob. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Smithfield and Yorkeys Knob?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,903 from Smithfield and $3,447 from Yorkeys Knob to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Smithfield and $192 from Yorkeys Knob.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Smithfield and Yorkeys Knob?
At 3% annual cost growth, Smithfield costs a cumulative $156,287 and Yorkeys Knob costs $155,645 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $642 in favour of Yorkeys Knob. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Smithfield and Yorkeys Knob 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: Cairns Regional Council and Cairns 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.