Darling Heights vs Kearneys Spring: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Darling Heights and Kearneys Spring are both Toowoomba Regional Council suburbs, sitting 5.8 km and 5 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $66 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. The difference here isn't money — it's location, schools and lifestyle.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →Darling Heights
Kearneys Spring
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Darling Heights | Kearneys Spring | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,444 | $1,444 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,188 | $2,188 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,818 | $1,584 | +$234 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,700 | $2,000 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,000 | - |
| Total (driving) | $7,150 | $7,216 | -$66 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,524 | $5,824 | -$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Darling Heights | Kearneys Spring | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,115 | $2,115 | - |
| Unit | $1,696 | $1,696 | - |
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 — Darling Heights vs Kearneys Spring (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Darling Heights and Kearneys Spring cost within $66 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $756, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $300 per year.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $5,524 from Darling Heights versus $5,824 from Kearneys Spring.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Darling Heights cumulative | Kearneys Spring cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,150 | $7,216 | $66 |
| Year 3 | $22,100 | $22,304 | $204 |
| Year 5 | $37,960 | $38,311 | $351 |
| Year 10 | $81,967 | $82,723 | $756 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Darling Heights or Kearneys Spring cheaper to live in?
Darling Heights is cheaper to run by car at $7,150 per year versus $7,216 for Kearneys Spring, a difference of $66 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Darling Heights and Kearneys Spring?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,444 in Darling Heights (Toowoomba Regional Council) and $1,444 in Kearneys Spring (Toowoomba Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,188 in Darling Heights and $2,188 in Kearneys Spring. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Darling Heights and Kearneys Spring?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,818 from Darling Heights and $1,584 from Kearneys Spring to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Darling Heights and $192 from Kearneys Spring.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Darling Heights and Kearneys Spring?
At 3% annual cost growth, Darling Heights costs a cumulative $81,967 and Kearneys Spring costs $82,723 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $756 in favour of Darling Heights. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Darling Heights and Kearneys Spring 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: Toowoomba Regional Council and Toowoomba 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.