Bahrs Scrub vs Belivah: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Bahrs Scrub and Belivah are both Logan City Council suburbs, sitting 33.2 km and 35.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $105 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 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 →Bahrs Scrub
Belivah
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Bahrs Scrub | Belivah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,699 | $1,699 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,149 | $2,149 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,787 | $6,892 | -$105 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,900 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $13,535 | $13,640 | -$105 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,940 | $6,940 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Bahrs Scrub | Belivah | 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 — Bahrs Scrub vs Belivah (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bahrs Scrub and Belivah cost within $105 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,203, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $105 per year. Belivah is 35.3 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, $6,940 and $6,940 a year, so the $105 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,699 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,149 a year.
- Driving commute favours Bahrs Scrub by $105 a year, $6,787 against $6,892.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,900 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 | Bahrs Scrub cumulative | Belivah cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,535 | $13,640 | $105 |
| Year 3 | $41,835 | $42,160 | $325 |
| Year 5 | $71,859 | $72,417 | $558 |
| Year 10 | $155,164 | $156,367 | $1,203 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bahrs Scrub or Belivah cheaper to live in?
Bahrs Scrub is cheaper to run by car at $13,535 per year versus $13,640 for Belivah, a difference of $105 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Bahrs Scrub and Belivah?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,699 in Bahrs Scrub (Logan City Council) and $1,699 in Belivah (Logan City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,149 in Bahrs Scrub and $2,149 in Belivah. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Bahrs Scrub and Belivah?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,787 from Bahrs Scrub and $6,892 from Belivah to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Bahrs Scrub and $192 from Belivah.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Bahrs Scrub and Belivah?
At 3% annual cost growth, Bahrs Scrub costs a cumulative $155,164 and Belivah costs $156,367 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,203 in favour of Bahrs Scrub. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Bahrs Scrub and Belivah 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: Logan City Council and Logan City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.