True annual cost of living in Palm Island, QLD 4816
Palm Island sits 66.2 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $13,813, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs come in at $10,893, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,400 body corporate levy. At 66.2km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $5,401 more per year than public transport users.
Annual cost — house
$13,813
Driving · per year
$1,151/month
Lower cost
Annual cost — unit
$10,893
Incl. body corporate
$908/month
House vs unit difference
−$2,920
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 · 66.2km from CBD · 192 days
$5,593
Home insurance
Estimated — flood Low, fire Low
$5,000
Body corporate
Estimated
$1,400
Total annual running cost
$13,813
($1,151/month)
↑ 43% above Townsville City Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●○○○3.9/10
Compare Palm Island with another suburb
Nearby: No nearby suburbs with data found
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Palm Island to the CBD?
Public transport saves Palm Island residents $5,401 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $5,593 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Palm Island?
Palm Island 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 Palm Island?
Running a unit in Palm Island costs approximately $10,893 per year by car or $5,492 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 $680. 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.