Alberton vs Carbrook: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Alberton (City of Gold Coast) and Carbrook (Logan City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (35.8 km and 32.2 km).
Alberton runs $554 a year cheaper than Carbrook, driven mostly by council rates. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $6,351.
Over 10 years these two cost about the same to run. The difference here isn't money — it's location, schools and lifestyle.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →Alberton
Carbrook
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Alberton | Carbrook | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,359 | $1,816 | -$457 |
| Water & sewerage | $2,169 | $2,149 | +$20 |
| Commute (driving) | $6,684 | $6,501 | +$183 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,200 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,000 | - |
| Total (driving) | $13,112 | $13,666 | -$554 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,620 | $7,357 | -$737 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Alberton | Carbrook | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $1,976 | $1,976 | - |
| Unit | $1,591 | $1,591 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2025 rates (QLD 30c/kWh, NSW 33c/kWh incl. supply charge; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Alberton vs Carbrook (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Alberton costs $554 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $6,351 in favour of Alberton.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $457 per year.
On public transport the gap is $737 per year, $6,620 from Alberton versus $7,357 from Carbrook.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Alberton cumulative | Carbrook cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,112 | $13,666 | $554 |
| Year 3 | $40,528 | $42,240 | $1,712 |
| Year 5 | $69,613 | $72,555 | $2,942 |
| Year 10 | $150,314 | $156,665 | $6,351 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alberton or Carbrook cheaper to live in?
Alberton is cheaper to run by car at $13,112 per year versus $13,666 for Carbrook, a difference of $554 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Alberton and Carbrook?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,359 in Alberton (City of Gold Coast) and $1,816 in Carbrook (Logan City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,169 in Alberton and $2,149 in Carbrook. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Alberton and Carbrook?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,684 from Alberton and $6,501 from Carbrook to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Alberton and $192 from Carbrook.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Alberton and Carbrook?
At 3% annual cost growth, Alberton costs a cumulative $150,314 and Carbrook costs $156,665 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $6,351 in favour of Alberton. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Alberton and Carbrook is best to actually live in?
You've got the costs. Get the free personalised report for the rest: a clear verdict on which suburb wins, the full flood, fire and crime risk profile, nearest schools, estimated electricity cost by number of occupants, and your own loan or rent stress-tested over 10 years. No spam.
Related comparisons
Sources: City of Gold Coast and Logan City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.