Algester vs Calamvale, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
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.
The two sit within $246 a year of each other to run, so running cost is a minor factor here. The decision comes down to schools, risk and lifestyle, all in the free report.
Over 10 years, Algester costs about $2,800 less to run than Calamvale. That's about $5 a week.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict → Personalise this comparison with your own commute, home type and loan → Neither quite right? Find the Brisbane suburbs that fit your budget →Algester
Calamvale
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Algester | Calamvale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $4,452 | $4,698 | -$246 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,150 | $2,150 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,452 | $9,698 | -$246 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,192 | $5,192 | - |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Algester | Calamvale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown, Algester vs Calamvale (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Algester and Calamvale cost within $246 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,820, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $246 per year. Calamvale is 17.1 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,192 and $5,192 a year, so the $246 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $950 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Algester by $246 a year, $4,452 against $4,698.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,150 a year.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Algester cumulative | Calamvale cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,452 | $9,698 | $246 |
| Year 3 | $29,215 | $29,976 | $761 |
| Year 5 | $50,182 | $51,488 | $1,306 |
| Year 10 | $108,357 | $111,177 | $2,820 |
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 $9,452 per year versus $9,698 for Calamvale, a difference of $246 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Algester and Calamvale?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Algester (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Calamvale (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Algester and $1,900 in Calamvale. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Algester and Calamvale?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,452 from Algester and $4,698 from Calamvale to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). 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 $108,357 and Calamvale costs $111,177 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,820 in favour of Algester. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Algester and Calamvale suits you better?
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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.