Borallon vs Pine Mountain: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Borallon (Somerset Regional Council) and Pine Mountain (Ipswich City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (31.9 km and 31.3 km).
The two sit within $272 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 →Borallon
Pine Mountain
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Borallon | Pine Mountain | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,284 | $1,298 | -$14 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,481 | $6,439 | +$42 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,200 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,000 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $12,565 | $12,837 | -$272 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,276 | $6,590 | -$314 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Borallon | Pine Mountain | 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 — Borallon vs Pine Mountain (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Borallon and Pine Mountain cost within $272 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,118, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $300 per year.
On public transport the gap is $314 per year, $6,276 from Borallon versus $6,590 from Pine Mountain.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Borallon cumulative | Pine Mountain cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,565 | $12,837 | $272 |
| Year 3 | $38,837 | $39,678 | $841 |
| Year 5 | $66,709 | $68,153 | $1,444 |
| Year 10 | $144,044 | $147,162 | $3,118 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Borallon or Pine Mountain cheaper to live in?
Borallon is cheaper to run by car at $12,565 per year versus $12,837 for Pine Mountain, a difference of $272 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Borallon and Pine Mountain?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,284 in Borallon (Somerset Regional Council) and $1,298 in Pine Mountain (Ipswich City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Borallon and $1,900 in Pine Mountain. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Borallon and Pine Mountain?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,481 from Borallon and $6,439 from Pine Mountain to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Borallon and $192 from Pine Mountain.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Borallon and Pine Mountain?
At 3% annual cost growth, Borallon costs a cumulative $144,044 and Pine Mountain costs $147,162 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,118 in favour of Borallon. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Borallon and Pine Mountain 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: Somerset Regional 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.