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Map of Murray
8.6 km from Townsville CBD
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True annual cost of living in Murray, QLD 4814

Living in a house in Murray costs about $10,324 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Murray sits 8.6 kilometres from Townsville CBD. Unit costs come in at $9,004, as lower council rates more than offset the $2,200 body corporate levy. Switching from driving to public transport saves $2,490 per year at this distance.

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

3 key insights

Cheaper to run than 76% of Townsville City Council suburbs, about 21% below the regional average.
Home insurance is the biggest expense at $4,200, roughly 41% of the annual total.
Switching from driving to public transport saves $2,490 a year.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →
House annual cost
$10,324
Driving · per year
$860/month
Lower cost
Unit annual cost
$9,004
Incl. body corporate
$750/month
House vs unit difference
−$1,320
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 91c/km · 8.6km from Townsville CBD · 192 days
$2,682
Home insurance
Estimated · flood Low · fire Low
$4,200
Total annual running cost
$10,324
($860/month)
↓ 21% below Townsville City Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●●○ 7.1/10 Good
Cheaper to run than 76% 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
$2,373/yr
5,933 kWh
Unit
$1,945/yr
4,450 kWh
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Murray'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 Murray

within a 2 km walk
Nearest stop
No scheduled service within a 2 km walk of the suburb centre.
Nearest hospital
Townsville Hospital, 3,416 m away, about a 43 minute walk.
Supermarkets
1
Cafes
0
Parks
7
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 Murray with another suburb

Frequently asked questions about Murray

Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Murray to Townsville CBD?

Public transport saves Murray residents $2,490 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $2,682 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.

What are the council rates in Murray?

Murray 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 Murray?

Running a unit in Murray costs approximately $9,004 per year by car or $6,514 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,343, water and sewerage $2,099, estimated body corporate levy of $2,200, and contents insurance of $680. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

Is Murray close to public transport?

No scheduled public transport stop was found within a 2 km walk of the centre of Murray. 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 Murray?

The closest hospital to the centre of Murray is Townsville Hospital, about 3,416 m away, about a 43 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 Murray?

Within a 2 km walk of the centre of Murray there is 1 supermarket, 0 cafes and 7 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: Townsville City Council 2026-27. Water: Townsville City 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.