Braemore vs Scrub Creek, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Braemore and Scrub Creek are both Somerset Regional Council suburbs, sitting 22.6 km and 24.2 km from Esk CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $231 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, Braemore costs about $2,600 less to run than Scrub Creek. That's about $5 a week.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict → Personalise this comparison with your own commute, home type and loan →Braemore
Scrub Creek
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Braemore | Scrub Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,284 | $1,284 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $5,667 | $5,898 | -$231 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $5,667 | $5,898 | -$231 |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,300 | $1,400 | -$100 |
| Total (driving) | $11,051 | $11,282 | -$231 |
| Total (public transport) | $11,051 | $11,282 | -$231 |
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 | Braemore | Scrub Creek | 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, Braemore vs Scrub Creek (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Braemore and Scrub Creek cost within $231 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,648, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $231 per year. Scrub Creek is 24.2 km from Esk CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $231 per year, $11,051 from Braemore versus $11,282 from Scrub Creek.
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 Braemore by $231 a year, $5,667 against $5,898.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,200 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 | Braemore cumulative | Scrub Creek cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,051 | $11,282 | $231 |
| Year 3 | $34,158 | $34,872 | $714 |
| Year 5 | $58,671 | $59,898 | $1,227 |
| Year 10 | $126,687 | $129,335 | $2,648 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Braemore or Scrub Creek cheaper to live in?
Braemore is cheaper to run by car at $11,051 per year versus $11,282 for Scrub Creek, a difference of $231 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Braemore and Scrub Creek?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,284 in Braemore (Somerset Regional Council) and $1,284 in Scrub Creek (Somerset Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Braemore and $1,900 in Scrub Creek. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Braemore and Scrub Creek?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,667 from Braemore and $5,898 from Scrub Creek 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 Braemore and Scrub Creek?
At 3% annual cost growth, Braemore costs a cumulative $126,687 and Scrub Creek costs $129,335 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,648 in favour of Braemore. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Braemore and Scrub Creek suits you better?
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 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.