Annual cost of living in Balgal Beach, QLD 4816

Living in a house in Balgal Beach costs about $14,051 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Balgal Beach sits 49.1 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Unit costs come in at $12,101, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,600 body corporate levy. At 49.1km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $6,217 more per year than public transport users.

Last updated July 2026 · Townsville City Council rates 2026-27, ATO 88c/km, AER electricity benchmarks

3 key insights

Costs 5% more to run than the Townsville City Council average, cheaper than only 26% of suburbs in the region.

The commute is the biggest expense at $6,409, roughly 46% of the annual total.

Switching from driving to public transport saves $6,217 a year, a significant saving at this distance.

Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →

House annual cost

$14,051

Driving · per year

$1,171/month

Lower cost

Unit annual cost

$12,101

Incl. body corporate

$1,008/month

House vs unit difference

−$1,950

Unit is cheaper per year

Annual cost breakdown

Council rates

Townsville City Council 2026-27 · minimum rate

$1,343

Water & sewerage

Townsville City Council Water & Sewerage 2026-27

$2,099

Driving commute

ATO 88c/km · 49.1km from CBD · 192 days

$6,409

Home insurance

Estimated · flood Low · fire Low

$4,200

Total annual running cost

$14,051

($1,171/month)

↑ 5% above Townsville City Council average

SuburbCost affordability score ●●●○○ 5.2/10 Average

Cheaper to run than 26% of Townsville City Council suburbs. Score blends running cost (50%), schools (20%) and flood & fire risk (30%).

Estimated electricity cost typical 2-person household

House

$2,218/yr

5,933 kWh

Unit

$1,773/yr

4,450 kWh

Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Balgal Beach's climate zone at 2025 rates. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.

Compare Balgal Beach with another suburb

Nearby: vs Rollingstone

Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Balgal Beach to the CBD?

Public transport saves Balgal Beach residents $6,217 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $6,409 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.

What are the council rates in Balgal Beach?

Balgal Beach falls under Townsville City Council. The minimum residential general rate for 2026-27 is $1,343 per year for an owner-occupied house. Properties on higher land value pay more. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,343 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.

What does it cost to run a unit in Balgal Beach?

Running a unit in Balgal Beach costs approximately $12,101 per year by car or $5,884 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,343, water and sewerage $2,099, estimated body corporate levy of $1,600, and contents insurance of $650. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

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Balgal Beach vs Rollingstone

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Data sources: Council rates: Townsville City Council 2026-27. Water: Townsville City Council Water & Sewerage 2026-27. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2025–26 (88c/km). Insurance: AI-estimated, disclosed as estimate. Schools: ACARA ICSEA 2025. Risk: Queensland Globe, QFES. Data updated 2026-07.
Cost estimates are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute financial, insurance, or credit advice.

True annual cost of living in Balgal Beach, QLD 4816

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