Crossdale vs Somerset Dam, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Crossdale and Somerset Dam are both Somerset Regional Council suburbs, sitting 18.5 km and 17.9 km from Esk CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $15 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.
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Somerset Dam
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Crossdale | Somerset Dam | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,284 | $1,284 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $4,970 | $4,855 | +$115 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $4,970 | $4,855 | +$115 |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,100 | $2,200 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,300 | $1,400 | -$100 |
| Total (driving) | $10,254 | $10,239 | +$15 |
| Total (public transport) | $10,254 | $10,239 | +$15 |
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 | Crossdale | Somerset Dam | 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, Crossdale vs Somerset Dam (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Crossdale and Somerset Dam cost within $15 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $172, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $115 per year. Crossdale is 18.5 km from Esk CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $10,254 and $10,239 a year, so the $15 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
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 Somerset Dam by $115 a year, $4,855 against $4,970.
- Building insurance favours Crossdale by $100 a year, $2,100 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 | Crossdale cumulative | Somerset Dam cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,254 | $10,239 | $15 |
| Year 3 | $31,694 | $31,648 | $46 |
| Year 5 | $54,440 | $54,360 | $80 |
| Year 10 | $117,551 | $117,379 | $172 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Crossdale or Somerset Dam cheaper to live in?
Somerset Dam is cheaper to run by car at $10,239 per year versus $10,254 for Crossdale, a difference of $15 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Crossdale and Somerset Dam?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,284 in Crossdale (Somerset Regional Council) and $1,284 in Somerset Dam (Somerset Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Crossdale and $1,900 in Somerset Dam. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Crossdale and Somerset Dam?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,970 from Crossdale and $4,855 from Somerset Dam 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 Crossdale and Somerset Dam?
At 3% annual cost growth, Crossdale costs a cumulative $117,551 and Somerset Dam costs $117,379 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $172 in favour of Somerset Dam. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Crossdale and Somerset Dam 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.