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Map of Mossman
67.5 km from Cairns CBD
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True annual cost of living in Mossman, QLD 4873

Living in a house in Mossman costs about $13,651 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Mossman sits 67.5 kilometres from Cairns CBD. Unit costs come in at $9,371, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,800 body corporate levy. At 67.5km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $3,494 more per year than public transport users.

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

3 key insights

Cheaper to run than 82% of Douglas Shire Council suburbs, about 13% below the regional average.
Home insurance is the biggest expense at $6,800, roughly 50% of the annual total.
Switching from driving to public transport saves $3,494 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
$13,651
Driving · per year
$1,138/month
Lower cost
Unit annual cost
$9,371
Incl. body corporate
$781/month
House vs unit difference
−$4,280
Unit is cheaper per year

Annual cost breakdown

Council rates
Douglas Shire Council 2026-27 · minimum rate
$1,400
Water & sewerage
Cairns Regional Council Water & Sewerage 2026-27
$1,765
Driving commute
ATO 91c/km · 67.5km from Cairns CBD · 192 days
$3,686
Home insurance
Estimated · flood Low · fire Low
$6,800
Total annual running cost
$13,651
($1,138/month)
↓ 13% below Douglas Shire Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●●○ 7.7/10 Good
Cheaper to run than 82% of Douglas Shire 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 Mossman'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 Mossman

within a 2 km walk
Nearest stop
No scheduled service within a 2 km walk of the suburb centre.
Nearest hospital
Mossman Multipurpose Health Service, 1,541 m away, about a 19 minute walk.
Supermarkets
1
Cafes
3
Parks
3
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.

Compare Mossman with another suburb

Frequently asked questions about Mossman

Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Mossman to Cairns CBD?

Public transport saves Mossman residents $3,494 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $3,686 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.

What are the council rates in Mossman?

Mossman falls under Douglas Shire Council. The minimum residential general rate for 2026-27 is $1,400 per year for an owner-occupied house. Properties on higher land value pay more. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,400 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.

What does it cost to run a unit in Mossman?

Running a unit in Mossman costs approximately $9,371 per year by car or $5,877 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,400, water and sewerage $1,765, estimated body corporate levy of $1,800, and contents insurance of $720. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

Is Mossman close to public transport?

No scheduled public transport stop was found within a 2 km walk of the centre of Mossman. 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 is the closest hospital to Mossman?

The closest hospital to the centre of Mossman is Mossman Multipurpose Health Service, about 1,541 m away, about a 19 minute walk. Distance is straight line from the suburb centre and does not account for the road route or whether the hospital has an emergency department.

What shops and parks are in Mossman?

Within a 2 km walk of the centre of Mossman there is 1 supermarket, 3 cafes and 3 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: Douglas Shire Council 2026-27. Water: Cairns Regional 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.