Borallon vs Wanora, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Borallon and Wanora are both Somerset Regional Council suburbs, sitting 40.1 km and 39.2 km from Esk CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $2 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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Wanora
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Borallon | Wanora | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,284 | $1,284 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $6,988 | $6,986 | +$2 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $6,988 | $6,986 | +$2 |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,000 | $2,000 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,172 | $12,170 | +$2 |
| Total (public transport) | $12,172 | $12,170 | +$2 |
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 | Borallon | Wanora | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
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, Borallon vs Wanora (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Borallon and Wanora cost within $2 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $23, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $2 per year. Borallon is 40.1 km from Esk CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $12,172 and $12,170 a year, so the $2 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,284 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Wanora by $2 a year, $6,986 against $6,988.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,000 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. What separates them is commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Borallon cumulative | Wanora cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,172 | $12,170 | $2 |
| Year 3 | $37,622 | $37,616 | $6 |
| Year 5 | $64,623 | $64,612 | $11 |
| Year 10 | $139,538 | $139,515 | $23 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Borallon or Wanora cheaper to live in?
Wanora is cheaper to run by car at $12,170 per year versus $12,172 for Borallon, a difference of $2 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Borallon and Wanora?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,284 in Borallon (Somerset Regional Council) and $1,284 in Wanora (Somerset Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Borallon and $1,900 in Wanora. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Borallon and Wanora?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,988 from Borallon and $6,986 from Wanora to Esk CBD (ATO 91c/km). No daily public transport commute is assumed from either suburb, so both are costed by car.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Borallon and Wanora?
At 3% annual cost growth, Borallon costs a cumulative $139,538 and Wanora costs $139,515 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $23 in favour of Wanora. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Borallon and Wanora suits you better?
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Sources: Somerset Regional Council and Somerset 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.