Carindale vs Tingalpa: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Carindale and Tingalpa are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 9.9 km and 10.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Carindale
Tingalpa
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Carindale | Tingalpa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $836 | $853 | -$17 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $3,000 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,900 | $2,400 | +$500 |
| Total (driving) | $6,979 | $7,196 | -$217 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,335 | $6,535 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Carindale vs Tingalpa (2025-26)
What the numbers show
Carindale and Tingalpa cost within $217 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,488, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $200 per year. Tingalpa carries high flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap shifts to $200 per year. Both suburbs pay a flat PT fare, so the difference in total PT cost reflects council rates and insurance rather than commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Carindale cumulative | Tingalpa cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,979 | $7,196 | $217 |
| Year 3 | $21,571 | $22,242 | $671 |
| Year 5 | $37,052 | $38,205 | $1,153 |
| Year 10 | $80,006 | $82,494 | $2,488 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carindale or Tingalpa cheaper to live in?
Carindale is cheaper to run by car at $6,979 per year versus $7,196 for Tingalpa — a difference of $217 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025-26 data.
What are council rates in Carindale and Tingalpa?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,519 in Carindale (Brisbane City Council 2025-26) and $1,519 in Tingalpa (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage adds $1,824 in Carindale and $1,824 in Tingalpa.
How does the commute cost compare between Carindale and Tingalpa?
Annual driving commute costs are $836 from Carindale and $853 from Tingalpa to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km, 220 working days). Public transport costs $192 from Carindale and $192 from Tingalpa.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Carindale and Tingalpa?
At 3% annual cost growth, Carindale costs a cumulative $80,006 and Tingalpa costs $82,494 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,488 in favour of Carindale. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Compare Carindale and Tingalpa in the tool
The SuburbCost comparison tool shows the full annual cost breakdown for both suburbs side by side. Toggle between driving and public transport to see which suburb comes out ahead for your commuting pattern.
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Sources: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate schedules 2025-26, Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater 2025-26, ATO 88c/km, SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2025.