Chelmer vs Fig Tree Pocket: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Chelmer and Fig Tree Pocket are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 6.9 km and 9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Chelmer runs $787 a year cheaper than Fig Tree Pocket, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $9,022.
Over 10 years, Chelmer costs about $9,000 less to run than Fig Tree Pocket — the same as paying $9,000 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Fig Tree Pocket
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Chelmer | Fig Tree Pocket | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,204 | $2,791 | -$587 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,100 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,200 | $3,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $7,954 | $8,741 | -$787 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,942 | $6,142 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Chelmer | Fig Tree Pocket | 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 — Chelmer vs Fig Tree Pocket (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Chelmer costs $787 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $9,022 in favour of Chelmer.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $587 per year. Fig Tree Pocket is 9 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $5,942 from Chelmer versus $6,142 from Fig Tree Pocket.
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 Chelmer by $587 a year, $2,204 against $2,791.
- Building insurance favours Chelmer by $200 a year, $2,900 against $3,100.
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 and the insurance band.
Fire risk is rated high in Fig Tree Pocket against low in Chelmer, which feeds the insurance estimate.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Chelmer cumulative | Fig Tree Pocket cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,954 | $8,741 | $787 |
| Year 3 | $24,585 | $27,018 | $2,433 |
| Year 5 | $42,229 | $46,407 | $4,178 |
| Year 10 | $91,184 | $100,206 | $9,022 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chelmer or Fig Tree Pocket cheaper to live in?
Chelmer is cheaper to run by car at $7,954 per year versus $8,741 for Fig Tree Pocket, a difference of $787 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Chelmer and Fig Tree Pocket?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Chelmer (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Fig Tree Pocket (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Chelmer and $1,900 in Fig Tree Pocket. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Chelmer and Fig Tree Pocket?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,204 from Chelmer and $2,791 from Fig Tree Pocket to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Chelmer and $192 from Fig Tree Pocket.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Chelmer and Fig Tree Pocket?
At 3% annual cost growth, Chelmer costs a cumulative $91,184 and Fig Tree Pocket costs $100,206 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $9,022 in favour of Chelmer. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Chelmer and Fig Tree Pocket 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.