Annual cost of living in Malpas-Trenton, QLD 4816

Living in a house in Malpas-Trenton costs about $25,242 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Malpas-Trenton sits 493.6 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Unit costs come in at $23,092, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,400 body corporate levy. At 493.6km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $17,408 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 89% more to run than the Townsville City Council average, cheaper than only 12% of suburbs in the region.

The commute is the biggest expense at $17,600, roughly 70% of the annual total.

Switching from driving to public transport saves $17,408 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

$25,242

Driving · per year

$2,104/month

Lower cost

Unit annual cost

$23,092

Incl. body corporate

$1,924/month

House vs unit difference

−$2,150

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 · 493.6km from CBD · 192 days

$17,600

Home insurance

Estimated · flood Low · fire Low

$4,200

Total annual running cost

$25,242

($2,104/month)

↑ 89% above Townsville City Council average

SuburbCost affordability score ●●○○○ 4.4/10 Poor

Cheaper to run than 12% 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 Malpas-Trenton's climate zone at 2025 rates. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.

Compare Malpas-Trenton with another suburb

Nearby: No nearby suburbs with data found

Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Malpas-Trenton to the CBD?

Public transport saves Malpas-Trenton residents $17,408 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $17,600 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.

What are the council rates in Malpas-Trenton?

Malpas-Trenton 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 Malpas-Trenton?

Running a unit in Malpas-Trenton costs approximately $23,092 per year by car or $5,684 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,343, water and sewerage $2,099, estimated body corporate levy of $1,400, 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 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 Malpas-Trenton, QLD 4816

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