Clarendon vs Rifle Range, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Clarendon and Rifle Range are both Somerset Regional Council suburbs, sitting 24 km and 26.3 km from Esk CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $248 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, Clarendon costs about $2,800 less to run than Rifle Range. That's about $5 a week.
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Rifle Range
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Clarendon | Rifle Range | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,284 | $1,284 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $5,871 | $6,169 | -$298 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $5,871 | $6,169 | -$298 |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,200 | $2,150 | +$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,300 | $1,400 | -$100 |
| Total (driving) | $11,255 | $11,503 | -$248 |
| Total (public transport) | $11,255 | $11,503 | -$248 |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Clarendon | Rifle Range | 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, Clarendon vs Rifle Range (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Clarendon and Rifle Range cost within $248 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,843, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $298 per year. Rifle Range is 26.3 km from Esk CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $248 per year, $11,255 from Clarendon versus $11,503 from Rifle Range.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,284 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Clarendon by $298 a year, $5,871 against $6,169.
- Building insurance favours Rifle Range by $50 a year, $2,150 against $2,200.
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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Clarendon cumulative | Rifle Range cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,255 | $11,503 | $248 |
| Year 3 | $34,788 | $35,555 | $767 |
| Year 5 | $59,754 | $61,071 | $1,317 |
| Year 10 | $129,026 | $131,869 | $2,843 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Clarendon or Rifle Range cheaper to live in?
Clarendon is cheaper to run by car at $11,255 per year versus $11,503 for Rifle Range, a difference of $248 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/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 $5,871 from Clarendon and $6,169 from Rifle Range to Esk CBD (ATO 91c/km). No daily public transport commute is assumed from either suburb, so both are costed by car.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Clarendon and Rifle Range?
At 3% annual cost growth, Clarendon costs a cumulative $129,026 and Rifle Range costs $131,869 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,843 in favour of Clarendon. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Clarendon and Rifle Range suits you better?
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Sources: Somerset Regional Council and Somerset Regional Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.