Algester vs Calamvale: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Algester and Calamvale are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 15.9 km and 17.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Algester
Calamvale
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Algester | Calamvale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,343 | $1,445 | -$102 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $7,486 | $7,588 | -$102 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,335 | $6,335 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Algester vs Calamvale (2025-26)
What the numbers show
Algester and Calamvale cost within $102 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,169, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $102 per year. Calamvale is 17.1 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
Public transport equalises the comparison: both suburbs pay a flat $192 annual PT fare, so the $102 driving gap narrows to $0 under PT. If you rely on public transport, the two suburbs cost almost the same to run annually.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Algester cumulative | Calamvale cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,486 | $7,588 | $102 |
| Year 3 | $23,138 | $23,454 | $316 |
| Year 5 | $39,744 | $40,286 | $542 |
| Year 10 | $85,819 | $86,988 | $1,169 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Algester or Calamvale cheaper to live in?
Algester is cheaper to run by car at $7,486 per year versus $7,588 for Calamvale — a difference of $102 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025-26 data.
What are council rates in Algester and Calamvale?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,519 in Algester (Brisbane City Council 2025-26) and $1,519 in Calamvale (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage adds $1,824 in Algester and $1,824 in Calamvale.
How does the commute cost compare between Algester and Calamvale?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,343 from Algester and $1,445 from Calamvale to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km, 220 working days). Public transport costs $192 from Algester and $192 from Calamvale.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Algester and Calamvale?
At 3% annual cost growth, Algester costs a cumulative $85,819 and Calamvale costs $86,988 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,169 in favour of Algester. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Compare Algester and Calamvale in the tool
The SuburbCost comparison tool shows the full annual cost breakdown for both suburbs side by side. Toggle between driving and public transport to see which suburb comes out ahead for your commuting pattern.
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Sources: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate schedules 2025-26, Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater 2025-26, ATO 88c/km, SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2025.