Carindale vs Mansfield: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Carindale and Mansfield are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 9.9 km and 10.7 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $208 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 →Carindale
Mansfield
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Carindale | Mansfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,031 | $3,239 | -$208 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,900 | $2,800 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $8,681 | $8,889 | -$208 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,842 | $5,842 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Carindale | Mansfield | 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 — Carindale vs Mansfield (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Carindale and Mansfield cost within $208 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,384, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $208 per year. Mansfield is 10.7 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,842 and $5,842 a year, so the $208 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $950 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Carindale by $208 a year, $3,031 against $3,239.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,800 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.
Flood risk is rated medium in Carindale against low in Mansfield, which feeds the insurance estimate.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Carindale cumulative | Mansfield cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,681 | $8,889 | $208 |
| Year 3 | $26,832 | $27,475 | $643 |
| Year 5 | $46,089 | $47,193 | $1,104 |
| Year 10 | $99,518 | $101,902 | $2,384 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carindale or Mansfield cheaper to live in?
Carindale is cheaper to run by car at $8,681 per year versus $8,889 for Mansfield, a difference of $208 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Carindale and Mansfield?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Carindale (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Mansfield (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Carindale and $1,900 in Mansfield. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Carindale and Mansfield?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,031 from Carindale and $3,239 from Mansfield to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Carindale and $192 from Mansfield.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Carindale and Mansfield?
At 3% annual cost growth, Carindale costs a cumulative $99,518 and Mansfield costs $101,902 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,384 in favour of Carindale. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Carindale and Mansfield 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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.