Ottaba sits 10.7 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $6,891, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs come in at $5,791, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,300 body corporate levy. Switching from driving to public transport saves $712 per year at this distance.
Annual cost — house
$6,891
Driving · per year
$574/month
Lower cost
Annual cost — unit
$5,791
Incl. body corporate
$483/month
House vs unit difference
−$1,100
Unit is cheaper per year
Annual cost breakdown
Council rates
Somerset Regional Council 2025-26
$1,063
Water & sewerage
Queensland Urban Utilities 2025-26
$1,824
Commute — driving
ATO 88c/km · 10.7km from CBD · 192 days
$904
Home insurance
Estimated — flood Low, fire High
$3,100
Body corporate
Estimated
$1,300
Total annual running cost
$6,891
($574/month)
↓ 8% below Somerset Regional Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●○○5.5/10
Compare Ottaba with another suburb
Nearby: No nearby suburbs with data found
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Ottaba to the CBD?
Public transport saves Ottaba residents $712 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $904 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Ottaba?
Ottaba falls under Somerset Regional Council. The residential general rate for 2025–26 is $1,063 per year for an owner-occupied house. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,063 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Ottaba?
Running a unit in Ottaba costs approximately $5,791 per year by car or $5,079 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,063, water and sewerage $1,824, estimated body corporate levy of $1,300, and contents insurance of $700. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings — always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.
Your report is opening in a new tab. Check your inbox if it doesn't appear within a minute.
Data sources: Council rates: Somerset Regional Council 2025-26. Water: Queensland Urban Utilities 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.