True annual cost of living in Fossilbrook, QLD 4871
Fossilbrook sits 192.2 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $13,914, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs come in at $9,454, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,400 body corporate levy. At 192.2km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $4,208 more per year than public transport users.
Annual cost — house
$13,914
Driving · per year
$1,160/month
Lower cost
Annual cost — unit
$9,454
Incl. body corporate
$788/month
House vs unit difference
−$4,460
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 · 192.2km from CBD · 192 days
$4,400
Home insurance
Estimated — flood Low, fire Low
$6,600
Body corporate
Estimated
$1,400
Total annual running cost
$13,914
($1,160/month)
Near Cairns Regional Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●○○6.6/10
Compare Fossilbrook with another suburb
Nearby: No nearby suburbs with data found
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Fossilbrook to the CBD?
Public transport saves Fossilbrook residents $4,208 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $4,400 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Fossilbrook?
Fossilbrook 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 Fossilbrook?
Running a unit in Fossilbrook costs approximately $9,454 per year by car or $5,246 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,121, water and sewerage $1,793, estimated body corporate levy of $1,400, and contents insurance of $740. 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.