Clarendon vs Rifle Range: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Clarendon and Rifle Range are both Somerset Regional Council suburbs, sitting 76.9 km and 74.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $188 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 →Clarendon
Rifle Range
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Clarendon | Rifle Range | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,284 | $1,284 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,248 | $3,160 | +$88 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $3,100 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,300 | $1,400 | -$100 |
| Total (driving) | $9,632 | $9,444 | +$188 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,576 | $6,476 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Clarendon | Rifle Range | 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 — Clarendon vs Rifle Range (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Clarendon and Rifle Range cost within $188 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,155, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $100 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,576 and $6,476 a year, so the $188 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Clarendon cumulative | Rifle Range cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,632 | $9,444 | $188 |
| Year 3 | $29,772 | $29,190 | $582 |
| Year 5 | $51,138 | $50,139 | $999 |
| Year 10 | $110,420 | $108,265 | $2,155 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Clarendon or Rifle Range cheaper to live in?
Rifle Range is cheaper to run by car at $9,444 per year versus $9,632 for Clarendon, a difference of $188 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Clarendon and Rifle Range?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,284 in Clarendon (Somerset Regional Council) and $1,284 in Rifle Range (Somerset Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Clarendon and $1,900 in Rifle Range. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Clarendon and Rifle Range?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,248 from Clarendon and $3,160 from Rifle Range to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Clarendon and $192 from Rifle Range.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Clarendon and Rifle Range?
At 3% annual cost growth, Clarendon costs a cumulative $110,420 and Rifle Range costs $108,265 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,155 in favour of Rifle Range. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Clarendon and Rifle Range 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: Somerset Regional Council and Somerset Regional 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.