Homestead sits 172.5 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $12,420, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs come in at $9,820, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,500 body corporate levy. At 172.5km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $4,208 more per year than public transport users.
Annual cost — house
$12,420
Driving · per year
$1,035/month
Lower cost
Annual cost — unit
$9,820
Incl. body corporate
$818/month
House vs unit difference
−$2,600
Unit is cheaper per year
Annual cost breakdown
Council rates
Townsville City Council 2025-26
$1,253
Water & sewerage
Townsville City Council Water & Sewerage 2025-26
$1,967
Commute — driving
ATO 88c/km · 172.5km from CBD · 192 days
$4,400
Home insurance
Estimated — flood Low, fire Low
$4,800
Body corporate
Estimated
$1,500
Total annual running cost
$12,420
($1,035/month)
↑ 28% above Townsville City Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●○○○4.4/10
Compare Homestead with another suburb
Nearby: No nearby suburbs with data found
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Homestead to the CBD?
Public transport saves Homestead residents $4,208 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $4,400 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Homestead?
Homestead falls under Townsville City Council. The residential general rate for 2025–26 is $1,253 per year for an owner-occupied house. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,253 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Homestead?
Running a unit in Homestead costs approximately $9,820 per year by car or $5,612 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,253, water and sewerage $1,967, estimated body corporate levy of $1,500, and contents insurance of $700. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings — always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.
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Data sources: Council rates: Townsville City Council 2025-26. Water: Townsville City Council Water & Sewerage 2025-26. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2025–26 (88c/km). Insurance: AI-estimated, disclosed as estimate. Schools: ACARA NAPLAN 2025. Risk: Queensland Globe, QFES. Data updated July 2025. Cost estimates are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute financial, insurance, or credit advice.