Dakabin vs North Lakes: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Dakabin and North Lakes are both Moreton Bay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 27.8 km and 27.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
North Lakes runs $1,121 a year cheaper than Dakabin, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $12,851.
Over 10 years, North Lakes costs about $12,900 less to run than Dakabin — the same as paying $12,900 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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North Lakes
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Dakabin | North Lakes | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,636 | $1,636 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,144 | $2,144 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,130 | $6,109 | +$21 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $2,000 | +$1,100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,800 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $13,010 | $11,889 | +$1,121 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,072 | $5,972 | +$1,100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Dakabin | North Lakes | 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 — Dakabin vs North Lakes (2026-27)
What the numbers show
North Lakes costs $1,121 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $12,851 in favour of North Lakes.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $1,100 per year.
On public transport the gap is $1,100 per year, $7,072 from Dakabin versus $5,972 from North Lakes.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Dakabin cumulative | North Lakes cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,010 | $11,889 | $1,121 |
| Year 3 | $40,213 | $36,748 | $3,465 |
| Year 5 | $69,072 | $63,120 | $5,952 |
| Year 10 | $149,145 | $136,294 | $12,851 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dakabin or North Lakes cheaper to live in?
North Lakes is cheaper to run by car at $11,889 per year versus $13,010 for Dakabin, a difference of $1,121 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Dakabin and North Lakes?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,636 in Dakabin (Moreton Bay Regional Council) and $1,636 in North Lakes (Moreton Bay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,144 in Dakabin and $2,144 in North Lakes. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Dakabin and North Lakes?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,130 from Dakabin and $6,109 from North Lakes to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Dakabin and $192 from North Lakes.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Dakabin and North Lakes?
At 3% annual cost growth, Dakabin costs a cumulative $149,145 and North Lakes costs $136,294 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $12,851 in favour of North Lakes. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Dakabin and North Lakes 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.