Barellan Point vs Karalee: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Barellan Point and Karalee are both Ipswich City Council suburbs, sitting 21.2 km and 22.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $55 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 →Barellan Point
Karalee
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Barellan Point | Karalee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,298 | $1,298 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,444 | $5,589 | -$145 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $2,900 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,742 | $11,687 | +$55 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,490 | $6,290 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Barellan Point | Karalee | 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 — Barellan Point vs Karalee (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Barellan Point and Karalee cost within $55 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $631, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $200 per year.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $6,490 from Barellan Point versus $6,290 from Karalee.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,298 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Barellan Point by $145 a year, $5,444 against $5,589.
- Building insurance favours Karalee by $200 a year, $2,900 against $3,100.
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 and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Barellan Point cumulative | Karalee cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,742 | $11,687 | $55 |
| Year 3 | $36,293 | $36,123 | $170 |
| Year 5 | $62,340 | $62,048 | $292 |
| Year 10 | $134,609 | $133,978 | $631 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Barellan Point or Karalee cheaper to live in?
Karalee is cheaper to run by car at $11,687 per year versus $11,742 for Barellan Point, a difference of $55 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Barellan Point and Karalee?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,298 in Barellan Point (Ipswich City Council) and $1,298 in Karalee (Ipswich City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Barellan Point and $1,900 in Karalee. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Barellan Point and Karalee?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,444 from Barellan Point and $5,589 from Karalee to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Barellan Point and $192 from Karalee.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Barellan Point and Karalee?
At 3% annual cost growth, Barellan Point costs a cumulative $134,609 and Karalee costs $133,978 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $631 in favour of Karalee. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Barellan Point and Karalee 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.
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Sources: Ipswich City Council and Ipswich 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.