True annual cost of living in West Wellesley Islands, QLD 4871
West Wellesley Islands sits 706.6 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $15,814, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs come in at $9,504, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,400 body corporate levy. At 706.6km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $4,208 more per year than public transport users.
Annual cost — house
$15,814
Driving · per year
$1,318/month
Lower cost
Annual cost — unit
$9,504
Incl. body corporate
$792/month
House vs unit difference
−$6,310
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 · 706.6km from CBD · 192 days
$4,400
Home insurance
Estimated — flood Low, fire Low
$8,500
Body corporate
Estimated
$1,400
Total annual running cost
$15,814
($1,318/month)
↑ 13% above Cairns Regional Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●○○○4.4/10
Compare West Wellesley Islands with another suburb
Nearby: No nearby suburbs with data found
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from West Wellesley Islands to the CBD?
Public transport saves West Wellesley Islands 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 West Wellesley Islands?
West Wellesley Islands 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 West Wellesley Islands?
Running a unit in West Wellesley Islands costs approximately $9,504 per year by car or $5,296 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 $790. 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.