Cabarlah vs Kleinton: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Cabarlah and Kleinton are both Toowoomba Regional Council suburbs, sitting 14.4 km and 15.5 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $67 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 →Cabarlah
Kleinton
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cabarlah | Kleinton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,444 | $1,444 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,188 | $2,188 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,990 | $4,223 | -$233 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,100 | $1,800 | +$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $2,200 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $9,722 | $9,655 | +$67 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,924 | $5,624 | +$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Cabarlah | Kleinton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,115 | $2,115 | - |
| Unit | $1,696 | $1,696 | - |
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 — Cabarlah vs Kleinton (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Cabarlah and Kleinton cost within $67 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $768, 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 $300 per year, $5,924 from Cabarlah versus $5,624 from Kleinton.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Cabarlah cumulative | Kleinton cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,722 | $9,655 | $67 |
| Year 3 | $30,050 | $29,843 | $207 |
| Year 5 | $51,615 | $51,260 | $355 |
| Year 10 | $111,452 | $110,684 | $768 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cabarlah or Kleinton cheaper to live in?
Kleinton is cheaper to run by car at $9,655 per year versus $9,722 for Cabarlah, a difference of $67 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Cabarlah and Kleinton?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,444 in Cabarlah (Toowoomba Regional Council) and $1,444 in Kleinton (Toowoomba Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,188 in Cabarlah and $2,188 in Kleinton. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Cabarlah and Kleinton?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,990 from Cabarlah and $4,223 from Kleinton to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Cabarlah and $192 from Kleinton.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Cabarlah and Kleinton?
At 3% annual cost growth, Cabarlah costs a cumulative $111,452 and Kleinton costs $110,684 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $768 in favour of Kleinton. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Cabarlah and Kleinton 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.
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Sources: Toowoomba Regional Council and Toowoomba 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.