Benarkin vs Benarkin North: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Benarkin and Benarkin North are both Ipswich City Council suburbs, sitting 109.3 km and 110.4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $0 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.
Benarkin
Benarkin North
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Benarkin | Benarkin North | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,298 | $1,298 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,400 | - |
| Total (driving) | $23,198 | $23,198 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $5,790 | $5,790 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Benarkin | Benarkin North | 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 — Benarkin vs Benarkin North (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Benarkin and Benarkin North cost within $0 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $0, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $0 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,790 and $5,790 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Benarkin cumulative | Benarkin North cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $23,198 | $23,198 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $71,703 | $71,703 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $123,161 | $123,161 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $265,939 | $265,939 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Benarkin or Benarkin North cheaper to live in?
Benarkin is cheaper to run by car at $23,198 per year versus $23,198 for Benarkin North, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Benarkin and Benarkin North?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,298 in Benarkin (Ipswich City Council) and $1,298 in Benarkin North (Ipswich City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Benarkin and $1,900 in Benarkin North. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Benarkin and Benarkin North?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Benarkin and $17,600 from Benarkin North to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Benarkin and $192 from Benarkin North.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Benarkin and Benarkin North?
At 3% annual cost growth, Benarkin costs a cumulative $265,939 and Benarkin North costs $265,939 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Benarkin. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Benarkin and Benarkin North 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.