Barellan Point vs Karana Downs: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Barellan Point (Ipswich City Council) and Karana Downs (Brisbane City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (21.2 km and 21.9 km).
The two sit within $241 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
Karana Downs
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Barellan Point | Karana Downs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,298 | $1,579 | -$281 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,265 | $5,375 | -$110 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $2,950 | +$150 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,563 | $11,804 | -$241 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,490 | $6,621 | -$131 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Barellan Point | Karana Downs | 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 — Barellan Point vs Karana Downs (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Barellan Point and Karana Downs cost within $241 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,763, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $281 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,490 and $6,621 a year, so the $241 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Barellan Point cumulative | Karana Downs cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,563 | $11,804 | $241 |
| Year 3 | $35,740 | $36,485 | $745 |
| Year 5 | $61,390 | $62,669 | $1,279 |
| Year 10 | $132,557 | $135,320 | $2,763 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Barellan Point or Karana Downs cheaper to live in?
Barellan Point is cheaper to run by car at $11,563 per year versus $11,804 for Karana Downs, a difference of $241 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Barellan Point and Karana Downs?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,298 in Barellan Point (Ipswich City Council) and $1,579 in Karana Downs (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Barellan Point and $1,900 in Karana Downs. 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 Karana Downs?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,265 from Barellan Point and $5,375 from Karana Downs to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Barellan Point and $192 from Karana Downs.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Barellan Point and Karana Downs?
At 3% annual cost growth, Barellan Point costs a cumulative $132,557 and Karana Downs costs $135,320 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,763 in favour of Barellan Point. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Barellan Point and Karana Downs 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 Brisbane 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.