Clear Mountain vs Closeburn: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Clear Mountain and Closeburn are both Moreton Bay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 21.2 km and 22.4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Clear Mountain runs $985 a year cheaper than Closeburn, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $11,292.
Over 10 years, Clear Mountain costs about $11,300 less to run than Closeburn — the same as paying $11,300 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Closeburn
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Clear Mountain | Closeburn | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,636 | $1,636 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,144 | $2,144 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,265 | $5,450 | -$185 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,900 | -$800 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,500 | -$300 |
| Total (driving) | $12,145 | $13,130 | -$985 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,072 | $7,872 | -$800 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Clear Mountain | Closeburn | 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 — Clear Mountain vs Closeburn (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Clear Mountain costs $985 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $11,292 in favour of Clear Mountain.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $800 per year. Closeburn carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap is $800 per year, $7,072 from Clear Mountain versus $7,872 from Closeburn.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Clear Mountain cumulative | Closeburn cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,145 | $13,130 | $985 |
| Year 3 | $37,539 | $40,584 | $3,045 |
| Year 5 | $64,479 | $69,709 | $5,230 |
| Year 10 | $139,229 | $150,521 | $11,292 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Clear Mountain or Closeburn cheaper to live in?
Clear Mountain is cheaper to run by car at $12,145 per year versus $13,130 for Closeburn, a difference of $985 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Clear Mountain and Closeburn?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,636 in Clear Mountain (Moreton Bay Regional Council) and $1,636 in Closeburn (Moreton Bay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,144 in Clear Mountain and $2,144 in Closeburn. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Clear Mountain and Closeburn?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,265 from Clear Mountain and $5,450 from Closeburn to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Clear Mountain and $192 from Closeburn.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Clear Mountain and Closeburn?
At 3% annual cost growth, Clear Mountain costs a cumulative $139,229 and Closeburn costs $150,521 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $11,292 in favour of Clear Mountain. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Clear Mountain and Closeburn 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.