True annual cost of living in Scarborough, QLD 4020
Scarborough sits 30.7 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $17,531, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs reach $18,851, with the $2,800 body corporate levy accounting for the entire difference between the two. At 30.7km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $11,688 more per year than public transport users.
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Scarborough to the CBD?
Public transport saves Scarborough residents $11,688 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $11,880 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Scarborough?
Scarborough falls under Moreton Bay Regional Council. The residential general rate for 2025–26 is $1,577 per year for an owner-occupied house. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,577 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Scarborough?
Running a unit in Scarborough costs approximately $18,851 per year by car or $7,163 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,577, water and sewerage $2,074, estimated body corporate levy of $2,800, and contents insurance of $520. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings — always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.
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Data sources: Council rates: Moreton Bay Regional Council 2025-26. Water: Unitywater (Moreton Bay) 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.