Beechmont vs Illinbah: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Beechmont and Illinbah are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 24.6 km and 21.7 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Illinbah runs $713 a year cheaper than Beechmont, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $8,173.
Over 10 years, Illinbah costs about $8,200 less to run than Beechmont — the same as paying $8,200 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Illinbah
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Beechmont | Illinbah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,757 | $5,344 | +$413 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,400 | $3,100 | +$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,400 | +$400 |
| Total (driving) | $12,433 | $11,720 | +$713 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,868 | $6,568 | +$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Beechmont | Illinbah | 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 — Beechmont vs Illinbah (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Illinbah costs $713 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $8,173 in favour of Illinbah.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $413 per year. Beechmont is 24.6 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, $6,868 from Beechmont versus $6,568 from Illinbah.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Beechmont cumulative | Illinbah cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,433 | $11,720 | $713 |
| Year 3 | $38,429 | $36,225 | $2,204 |
| Year 5 | $66,008 | $62,223 | $3,785 |
| Year 10 | $142,530 | $134,357 | $8,173 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beechmont or Illinbah cheaper to live in?
Illinbah is cheaper to run by car at $11,720 per year versus $12,433 for Beechmont, a difference of $713 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Beechmont and Illinbah?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Beechmont (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Illinbah (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Beechmont and $1,900 in Illinbah. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Beechmont and Illinbah?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,757 from Beechmont and $5,344 from Illinbah to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Beechmont and $192 from Illinbah.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Beechmont and Illinbah?
At 3% annual cost growth, Beechmont costs a cumulative $142,530 and Illinbah costs $134,357 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $8,173 in favour of Illinbah. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Beechmont and Illinbah 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: Scenic Rim Regional Council and Scenic Rim 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.