True annual cost of living in Malpas-Trenton, QLD 4816
Malpas-Trenton sits 493.6 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $11,820, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs come in at $9,670, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,400 body corporate levy. At 493.6km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $4,208 more per year than public transport users.
Annual cost — house
$11,820
Driving · per year
$985/month
Lower cost
Annual cost — unit
$9,670
Incl. body corporate
$806/month
House vs unit difference
−$2,150
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 · 493.6km from CBD · 192 days
$4,400
Home insurance
Estimated — flood Low, fire Low
$4,200
Body corporate
Estimated
$1,400
Total annual running cost
$11,820
($985/month)
↑ 22% above Townsville City Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●○○○4.7/10
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 $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 Malpas-Trenton?
Malpas-Trenton 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 Malpas-Trenton?
Running a unit in Malpas-Trenton costs approximately $9,670 per year by car or $5,462 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,253, water and sewerage $1,967, 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 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.