Living in a house in Rowes Bay costs about $9,556 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Rowes Bay sits 4.1 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Unit costs come in at $7,676, as lower council rates more than offset the $2,200 body corporate levy. Transport mode has the biggest effect on total cost in a suburb this close to the city.
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Rowes Bay's climate zone at 2025 rates. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Rowes Bay to the CBD?
Public transport saves Rowes Bay residents $1,122 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $1,314 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Rowes Bay?
Rowes Bay 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 Rowes Bay?
Running a unit in Rowes Bay costs approximately $7,676 per year by car or $6,554 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 $720. 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 2026-27. Water: Townsville City Council Water & Sewerage 2026-27. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2025–26 (88c/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.