Barron vs Kamerunga: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Barron and Kamerunga are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 9.3 km and 10.7 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 →Barron
Kamerunga
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Barron | Kamerunga | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,165 | $1,165 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,777 | $3,132 | -$355 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,500 | $6,200 | +$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,207 | $12,262 | -$55 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,622 | $9,322 | +$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Barron | Kamerunga | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,218 | $2,218 | - |
| Unit | $1,773 | $1,773 | - |
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 — Barron vs Kamerunga (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Barron and Kamerunga cost within $55 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $630, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $355 per year. Kamerunga is 10.7 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $9,622 from Barron versus $9,322 from Kamerunga.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Barron cumulative | Kamerunga cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,207 | $12,262 | $55 |
| Year 3 | $37,731 | $37,901 | $170 |
| Year 5 | $64,809 | $65,101 | $292 |
| Year 10 | $139,940 | $140,570 | $630 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Barron or Kamerunga cheaper to live in?
Barron is cheaper to run by car at $12,207 per year versus $12,262 for Kamerunga, a difference of $55 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Barron and Kamerunga?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,165 in Barron (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,165 in Kamerunga (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Barron and $1,765 in Kamerunga. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Barron and Kamerunga?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,777 from Barron and $3,132 from Kamerunga to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Barron and $192 from Kamerunga.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Barron and Kamerunga?
At 3% annual cost growth, Barron costs a cumulative $139,940 and Kamerunga costs $140,570 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $630 in favour of Barron. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Barron and Kamerunga 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: Cairns Regional Council and Cairns Regional 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.