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True annual cost of living in Townsville City, QLD 4810

Living in a house in Townsville City costs about $8,642 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Townsville City sits 0.0 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Unit costs reach $8,962, with the $4,800 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 · Townsville City Council rates 2026-27, ATO 88c/km, AER electricity benchmarks

3 key insights
Cheaper to run than 95% of Townsville City Council suburbs, about 35% below the regional average.
Home insurance is the biggest expense at $5,200, roughly 60% of the annual total.
Switching from driving to public transport saves $192 a year.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →
Lower cost
House annual cost
$8,642
Driving · per year
$720/month
Unit annual cost
$8,962
Incl. body corporate
$747/month
House vs unit difference
+$320
Unit costs more 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 88c/km · 0.0km from CBD · 192 days
$0
Home insurance
Estimated · flood Medium · fire Low
$5,200
Total annual running cost
$8,642
($720/month)
↓ 35% below Townsville City Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●●○ 7.4/10 Good
Cheaper to run than 95% 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
$2,218/yr
5,933 kWh
Unit
$1,773/yr
4,450 kWh
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Townsville City's climate zone at 2025 rates. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Compare Townsville City with another suburb
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Townsville City to the CBD?
Driving saves Townsville City residents $192 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $0 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Townsville City?
Townsville City 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 Townsville City?
Running a unit in Townsville City costs approximately $8,962 per year by car or $9,154 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,343, water and sewerage $2,099, estimated body corporate levy of $4,800, 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.