Bulimba vs Balmoral
Annual running cost comparison for Brisbane home buyers · 2025–26 data
Data updated July 2025 · Council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance
Annual running cost breakdown
| Cost component | Bulimba | Balmoral |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 |
| Annual commute (driving) | $346 | $380 |
| Home insurance (estimated) | $1,850 | $1,800 |
| Total annual cost | $5,539 | $5,523 |
| Distance to CBD | 4.1 km | 4.5 km |
Teal = lower cost. Council rates from Brisbane City Council 2025-26 and Brisbane City Council 2025-26. Commute uses ATO 88c/km over ABS annual kilometres by location class. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown detail
Both suburbs fall under Brisbane City Council 2025-26, paying the same general rate of $1,519 per year.
Driving commute costs are similar: $346 per year from Bulimba and $380 from Balmoral to Brisbane CBD.
Schools and risk profile
| Factor | Bulimba | Balmoral |
|---|---|---|
| School score (ICSEA) | 9.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Nearest state primary | Bulimba State School | Bulimba State School |
| Nearest private school | Sts Peter and Paul's School | Sts Peter and Paul's School |
| Flood risk | Low | Low |
| Fire risk | Low | Low |
School quality is similar in both suburbs. Bulimba scores 9.0/10 and Balmoral scores 9.0/10 on the ICSEA scale. Nearest state primary schools are Bulimba State School and Bulimba State School respectively.
Both suburbs share low flood risk and low fire risk according to Queensland government mapping.
Who each suburb suits
- City commuters: 4.1 km to CBD vs 4.5 km
- Buyers watching costs: Balmoral saves $16 per year
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to live in, Bulimba or Balmoral?
Bulimba and Balmoral are within $16 of each other annually for a house. At that margin, commute direction and school scores will drive the decision more than running cost.
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How far is Bulimba from Brisbane CBD compared to Balmoral?
Bulimba is 4.1 km from Brisbane CBD. Balmoral is 4.5 km from Brisbane CBD. Annual driving commute costs are $346 and $380 respectively, using the ATO 88 cents per kilometre rate over standard working days.
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Which suburb has better schools, Bulimba or Balmoral?
Bulimba rates higher on ICSEA school quality data at 9.0/10 versus 9.0/10 for Balmoral. The nearest state primary in Bulimba is Bulimba State School; in Balmoral it is Bulimba State School. Source: ACARA ICSEA 2025.
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What are the flood and fire risks in Bulimba versus Balmoral?
Bulimba has low flood risk and low fire risk. Balmoral has low flood risk and low fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe flood mapping and QFES bushfire prone land data.
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What are council rates in Bulimba compared to Balmoral?
Annual council rates for a house in Bulimba are $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). In Balmoral the rate is $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage charges add $1,824 in Bulimba and $1,824 in Balmoral per year.
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Is Bulimba or Balmoral better for families?
Bulimba scores 9.0/10 on schools and has lower flood and fire risk. For families running both checks, it wins on both counts.
Individual suburb profiles
See full annual cost breakdowns, 10-year projections, and school details on each suburb's profile page.
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