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1.8 km from CBD
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True annual cost of living in South Toowoomba, QLD 4350

Living in a house in South Toowoomba costs about $5,927 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. South Toowoomba sits 1.8 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Unit costs reach $6,707, with the $2,000 body corporate levy accounting for the entire difference between the two. Transport mode has the biggest effect on total cost in a suburb this close to the city.

Last updated July 2026 · Toowoomba Regional Council rates 2026-27, ATO 88c/km, AER electricity benchmarks

3 key insights
Cheaper to run than 100% of Toowoomba Regional Council suburbs, about 53% below the regional average.
Water & sewerage is the biggest expense at $2,188, roughly 37% of the annual total.
Switching from driving to public transport saves $403 a year.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →
Lower cost
House annual cost
$5,927
Driving · per year
$494/month
Unit annual cost
$6,707
Incl. body corporate
$559/month
House vs unit difference
+$780
Unit costs more per year
Annual cost breakdown
Council rates
Toowoomba Regional Council 2026-27 · minimum rate
$1,444
Water & sewerage
Toowoomba Regional Council Water & Sewerage 2026-27
$2,188
Driving commute
ATO 88c/km · 1.8km from CBD · 192 days
$595
Home insurance
Estimated · flood Low · fire Low
$1,700
Total annual running cost
$5,927
($494/month)
↓ 53% below Toowoomba Regional Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●●○ 8.5/10 Excellent
Cheaper to run than 100% of Toowoomba Regional Council suburbs. Score blends running cost (50%), schools (20%) and flood & fire risk (30%).
Estimated electricity cost typical 2-person household
House
$2,115/yr
5,591 kWh
Unit
$1,696/yr
4,193 kWh
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for South Toowoomba's climate zone at 2025 rates. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Compare South Toowoomba with another suburb
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from South Toowoomba to the CBD?
Public transport saves South Toowoomba residents $403 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $595 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in South Toowoomba?
South Toowoomba falls under Toowoomba Regional Council. The minimum residential general rate for 2026-27 is $1,444 per year for an owner-occupied house. Properties on higher land value pay more. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,444 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in South Toowoomba?
Running a unit in South Toowoomba costs approximately $6,707 per year by car or $6,304 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,444, water and sewerage $2,188, estimated body corporate levy of $2,000, and contents insurance of $480. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

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Data sources: Council rates: Toowoomba Regional Council 2026-27. Water: Toowoomba Regional 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.