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17.9 km from CBD
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True annual cost of living in Kelso, QLD 4815

Kelso sits 17.9 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $8,932, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs come in at $7,582, as lower council rates more than offset the $2,200 body corporate levy. At 17.9km from the CBD, transport mode shifts the annual total by $1,320. The gap widens as commute costs rise.

Annual cost — house
$8,932
Driving · per year
$744/month
Lower cost
Annual cost — unit
$7,582
Incl. body corporate
$632/month
House vs unit difference
−$1,350
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 · 17.9km from CBD · 192 days
$1,512
Home insurance
Estimated — flood Low, fire Low
$4,200
Total annual running cost
$8,932
($744/month)
↓ 8% below Townsville City Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●○○ 6.0/10
Compare Kelso with another suburb
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Kelso to the CBD?
Public transport saves Kelso residents $1,320 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $1,512 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Kelso?
Kelso 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 Kelso?
Running a unit in Kelso costs approximately $7,582 per year by car or $6,262 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,253, water and sewerage $1,967, estimated body corporate levy of $2,200, and contents insurance of $650. 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.