Blackbutt vs Blackbutt South, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Blackbutt and Blackbutt South are both South Burnett Regional Council suburbs, 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.
Over 10 years these two cost about the same to run.
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Blackbutt South
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Blackbutt | Blackbutt South | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,189 | $1,189 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $2,157 | $2,157 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $18,200 | $18,200 | - |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $18,200 | $18,200 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,600 | $1,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $23,396 | $23,396 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $23,396 | $23,396 | - |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Blackbutt | Blackbutt South | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,140 | $2,140 | - |
| Unit | $1,770 | $1,770 | - |
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, Blackbutt vs Blackbutt South (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Blackbutt and Blackbutt South 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, $23,396 and $23,396 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,189 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,157 a year.
- Driving commute is identical at $18,200 a year.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,850 a year.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. On these four costs they are identical.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Blackbutt cumulative | Blackbutt South cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $23,396 | $23,396 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $72,315 | $72,315 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $124,213 | $124,213 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $268,209 | $268,209 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blackbutt or Blackbutt South cheaper to live in?
Blackbutt is cheaper to run by car at $23,396 per year versus $23,396 for Blackbutt South, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Blackbutt and Blackbutt South?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,189 in Blackbutt (South Burnett Regional Council) and $1,189 in Blackbutt South (South Burnett Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,157 in Blackbutt and $2,157 in Blackbutt South. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Blackbutt and Blackbutt South?
Blackbutt carries a flat regional driving allowance of $18,200, about 20,000 km of household driving a year, because it is more than 100 km from Brisbane CBD. Blackbutt South carries a flat regional driving allowance of $18,200, about 20,000 km of household driving a year, because it is more than 100 km from Brisbane CBD. No daily public transport commute is assumed from either suburb, so both are costed by car.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Blackbutt and Blackbutt South?
At 3% annual cost growth, Blackbutt costs a cumulative $268,209 and Blackbutt South costs $268,209 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Blackbutt. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Blackbutt and Blackbutt South suits you better?
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Sources: South Burnett Regional Council and South Burnett Regional Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.