Carindale vs Tingalpa: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
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.
The two sit within $251 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
Tingalpa
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Carindale | Tingalpa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,931 | $2,982 | -$51 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $3,000 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,900 | $2,400 | +$500 |
| Total (driving) | $9,210 | $9,461 | -$251 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,471 | $6,671 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Carindale | Tingalpa | 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 — Carindale vs Tingalpa (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Carindale and Tingalpa cost within $251 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,878, 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 is $200 per year, $6,471 from Carindale versus $6,671 from Tingalpa.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Carindale cumulative | Tingalpa cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,210 | $9,461 | $251 |
| Year 3 | $28,467 | $29,243 | $776 |
| Year 5 | $48,897 | $50,230 | $1,333 |
| Year 10 | $105,582 | $108,460 | $2,878 |
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 $9,210 per year versus $9,461 for Tingalpa, a difference of $251 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Carindale and Tingalpa?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Carindale (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Tingalpa (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Carindale and $1,900 in Tingalpa. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Carindale and Tingalpa?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,931 from Carindale and $2,982 from Tingalpa to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). 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 $105,582 and Tingalpa costs $108,460 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,878 in favour of Carindale. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Carindale and Tingalpa 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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City 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.