Blantyre vs Obum Obum: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Blantyre and Obum Obum are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 31.9 km and 33.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $15 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 →Blantyre
Obum Obum
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Blantyre | Obum Obum | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,481 | $6,596 | -$115 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,300 | $3,200 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,400 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $13,057 | $13,072 | -$15 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,768 | $6,668 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Blantyre | Obum Obum | 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 — Blantyre vs Obum Obum (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Blantyre and Obum Obum cost within $15 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $172, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $115 per year. Obum Obum is 33.8 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,768 and $6,668 a year, so the $15 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Blantyre cumulative | Obum Obum cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,057 | $13,072 | $15 |
| Year 3 | $40,358 | $40,404 | $46 |
| Year 5 | $69,321 | $69,401 | $80 |
| Year 10 | $149,684 | $149,856 | $172 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blantyre or Obum Obum cheaper to live in?
Blantyre is cheaper to run by car at $13,057 per year versus $13,072 for Obum Obum, a difference of $15 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Blantyre and Obum Obum?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Blantyre (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Obum Obum (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Blantyre and $1,900 in Obum Obum. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Blantyre and Obum Obum?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,481 from Blantyre and $6,596 from Obum Obum to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Blantyre and $192 from Obum Obum.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Blantyre and Obum Obum?
At 3% annual cost growth, Blantyre costs a cumulative $149,684 and Obum Obum costs $149,856 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $172 in favour of Blantyre. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Blantyre and Obum Obum 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.