Coolana vs Lark Hill: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Coolana and Lark Hill are both Somerset Regional Council suburbs, sitting 68 km and 43.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Coolana runs $2,771 a year cheaper than Lark Hill, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $31,767.
Over 10 years, Coolana costs about $31,800 less to run than Lark Hill — the same as paying $31,800 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Lark Hill
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Coolana | Lark Hill | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,284 | $1,284 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,447 | $6,718 | -$3,271 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,400 | $2,900 | +$500 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,800 | -$300 |
| Total (driving) | $10,031 | $12,802 | -$2,771 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,776 | $6,276 | +$500 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Coolana | Lark Hill | 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 — Coolana vs Lark Hill (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Coolana costs $2,771 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $31,767 in favour of Coolana.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $3,271 per year. Coolana is 68 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $500 per year, $6,776 from Coolana versus $6,276 from Lark Hill.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Coolana cumulative | Lark Hill cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,031 | $12,802 | $2,771 |
| Year 3 | $31,005 | $39,570 | $8,565 |
| Year 5 | $53,256 | $67,968 | $14,712 |
| Year 10 | $114,994 | $146,761 | $31,767 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Coolana or Lark Hill cheaper to live in?
Coolana is cheaper to run by car at $10,031 per year versus $12,802 for Lark Hill, a difference of $2,771 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Coolana and Lark Hill?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,284 in Coolana (Somerset Regional Council) and $1,284 in Lark Hill (Somerset Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Coolana and $1,900 in Lark Hill. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Coolana and Lark Hill?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,447 from Coolana and $6,718 from Lark Hill to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Coolana and $192 from Lark Hill.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Coolana and Lark Hill?
At 3% annual cost growth, Coolana costs a cumulative $114,994 and Lark Hill costs $146,761 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $31,767 in favour of Coolana. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Coolana and Lark Hill 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.