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Map of Granite Vale
40.4 km from Townsville CBD
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True annual cost of living in Granite Vale, QLD 4815

Living in a house in Granite Vale costs about $14,630 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Granite Vale sits 40.4 kilometres from Townsville CBD. Unit costs come in at $12,610, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,500 body corporate levy. At 40.4km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $6,796 more per year than public transport users.

Last updated July 2026 · Townsville City Council rates 2026-27, ATO 91c/km, AER electricity benchmarks

3 key insights

Costs 11% more to run than the Townsville City Council average, cheaper than only 16% of suburbs in the region.
The commute is the biggest expense at $6,988, roughly 48% of the annual total.
Switching from driving to public transport saves $6,796 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
$14,630
Driving · per year
$1,219/month
Lower cost
Unit annual cost
$12,610
Incl. body corporate
$1,051/month
House vs unit difference
−$2,020
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 91c/km · 40.4km from Townsville CBD · 192 days
$6,988
Home insurance
Estimated · flood Low · fire Low
$4,200
Total annual running cost
$14,630
($1,219/month)
↑ 11% above Townsville City Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●○○○ 4.8/10 Poor
Cheaper to run than 16% 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
$2,373/yr
5,933 kWh
Unit
$1,945/yr
4,450 kWh
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Granite Vale's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for its electricity network. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.

Getting around Granite Vale

within a 2 km walk
Nearest stop
No scheduled service within a 2 km walk of the suburb centre.
Supermarkets
0
Cafes
0
Parks
0
Counted from OpenStreetMap via Overpass inside a 2 km walking radius of the suburb centre, built 2026-08-07. Distances are straight line from that centre, so a specific address can be closer or further. Mapping is contributed and can lag a new opening.

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Frequently asked questions about Granite Vale

Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Granite Vale to Townsville CBD?

Public transport saves Granite Vale residents $6,796 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $6,988 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.

What are the council rates in Granite Vale?

Granite Vale 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 Granite Vale?

Running a unit in Granite Vale costs approximately $12,610 per year by car or $5,814 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,343, water and sewerage $2,099, estimated body corporate levy of $1,500, and contents insurance of $680. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

Is Granite Vale close to public transport?

No scheduled public transport stop was found within a 2 km walk of the centre of Granite Vale. The running cost on this page assumes driving, which is why the commute component is the largest line for most suburbs in this position.

What shops and parks are in Granite Vale?

Within a 2 km walk of the centre of Granite Vale there are 0 supermarkets, 0 cafes and 0 parks. These counts come from OpenStreetMap via Overpass, which is contributed mapping and can lag a recent opening or closure.

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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 2026–27 (91c/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.