Mutchilba sits 61.4 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $14,901, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs come in at $10,361, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,500 body corporate levy. At 61.4km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $4,995 more per year than public transport users.
Annual cost — house
$14,901
Driving · per year
$1,242/month
Lower cost
Annual cost — unit
$10,361
Incl. body corporate
$863/month
House vs unit difference
−$4,540
Unit is cheaper per year
Annual cost breakdown
Council rates
Cairns Regional Council 2025-26
$1,121
Water & sewerage
Cairns Regional Council Water & Sewerage 2025-26
$1,793
Commute — driving
ATO 88c/km · 61.4km from CBD · 192 days
$5,187
Home insurance
Estimated — flood Low, fire Low
$6,800
Body corporate
Estimated
$1,500
Total annual running cost
$14,901
($1,242/month)
↑ 7% above Cairns Regional Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●○○5.7/10
Compare Mutchilba with another suburb
Nearby: No nearby suburbs with data found
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Mutchilba to the CBD?
Public transport saves Mutchilba residents $4,995 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $5,187 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Mutchilba?
Mutchilba falls under Cairns Regional Council. The residential general rate for 2025–26 is $1,121 per year for an owner-occupied house. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,121 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Mutchilba?
Running a unit in Mutchilba costs approximately $10,361 per year by car or $5,366 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,121, water and sewerage $1,793, estimated body corporate levy of $1,500, and contents insurance of $760. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings — always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.
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Data sources: Council rates: Cairns Regional Council 2025-26. Water: Cairns Regional 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.