Cashmere vs Clear Mountain: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Cashmere and Clear Mountain are both Moreton Bay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 22.8 km and 21.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $253 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 →Cashmere
Clear Mountain
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cashmere | Clear Mountain | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,309 | $1,309 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,144 | $2,144 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,697 | $5,444 | +$253 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $2,200 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $12,250 | $11,997 | +$253 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,745 | $6,745 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Cashmere | Clear Mountain | 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 — Cashmere vs Clear Mountain (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Cashmere and Clear Mountain cost within $253 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,901, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $253 per year. Cashmere is 22.8 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, $6,745 and $6,745 a year, so the $253 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,309 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,144 a year.
- Driving commute favours Clear Mountain by $253 a year, $5,444 against $5,697.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,100 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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Cashmere cumulative | Clear Mountain cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,250 | $11,997 | $253 |
| Year 3 | $37,864 | $37,082 | $782 |
| Year 5 | $65,037 | $63,694 | $1,343 |
| Year 10 | $140,433 | $137,532 | $2,901 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cashmere or Clear Mountain cheaper to live in?
Clear Mountain is cheaper to run by car at $11,997 per year versus $12,250 for Cashmere, a difference of $253 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Cashmere and Clear Mountain?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,309 in Cashmere (Moreton Bay Regional Council) and $1,309 in Clear Mountain (Moreton Bay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,144 in Cashmere and $2,144 in Clear Mountain. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Cashmere and Clear Mountain?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,697 from Cashmere and $5,444 from Clear Mountain to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Cashmere and $192 from Clear Mountain.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Cashmere and Clear Mountain?
At 3% annual cost growth, Cashmere costs a cumulative $140,433 and Clear Mountain costs $137,532 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,901 in favour of Clear Mountain. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Cashmere and Clear Mountain 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: Moreton Bay Regional Council and Moreton Bay Regional 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.