Ballard sits 7.2 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $7,216, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs come in at $6,916, as lower council rates more than offset the $2,200 body corporate levy. Switching from driving to public transport saves $416 per year at this distance.
Annual cost — house
$7,216
Driving · per year
$601/month
Lower cost
Annual cost — unit
$6,916
Incl. body corporate
$576/month
House vs unit difference
−$300
Unit is cheaper per year
Annual cost breakdown
Council rates
Toowoomba Regional Council 2025-26
$1,351
Water & sewerage
Toowoomba Regional Council Water & Sewerage 2025-26
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Ballard to the CBD?
Public transport saves Ballard residents $416 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $608 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Ballard?
Ballard falls under Toowoomba Regional Council. The residential general rate for 2025–26 is $1,351 per year for an owner-occupied house. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,351 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Ballard?
Running a unit in Ballard costs approximately $6,916 per year by car or $6,500 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,351, water and sewerage $2,057, estimated body corporate levy of $2,200, and contents insurance of $700. 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 2025-26. Water: Toowoomba 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.