Canungra vs Ferny Glen: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Canungra and Ferny Glen are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 15.4 km and 18.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Canungra runs $476 a year cheaper than Ferny Glen, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $5,457.
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 →Canungra
Ferny Glen
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Canungra | Ferny Glen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,202 | $4,878 | -$676 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,500 | $3,300 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $1,400 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $10,978 | $11,454 | -$476 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,968 | $6,768 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Canungra | Ferny Glen | 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 — Canungra vs Ferny Glen (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Canungra costs $476 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $5,457 in favour of Canungra.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $676 per year. Ferny Glen is 18.9 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $6,968 from Canungra versus $6,768 from Ferny Glen.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Canungra cumulative | Ferny Glen cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,978 | $11,454 | $476 |
| Year 3 | $33,932 | $35,403 | $1,471 |
| Year 5 | $58,284 | $60,811 | $2,527 |
| Year 10 | $125,850 | $131,307 | $5,457 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Canungra or Ferny Glen cheaper to live in?
Canungra is cheaper to run by car at $10,978 per year versus $11,454 for Ferny Glen, a difference of $476 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Canungra and Ferny Glen?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Canungra (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Ferny Glen (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Canungra and $1,900 in Ferny Glen. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Canungra and Ferny Glen?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,202 from Canungra and $4,878 from Ferny Glen to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Canungra and $192 from Ferny Glen.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Canungra and Ferny Glen?
At 3% annual cost growth, Canungra costs a cumulative $125,850 and Ferny Glen costs $131,307 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $5,457 in favour of Canungra. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Canungra and Ferny Glen 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: Scenic Rim Regional Council and Scenic Rim 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.