Darra vs Jamboree Heights: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Darra and Jamboree Heights are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 13.1 km and 13.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $226 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 →Darra
Jamboree Heights
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Darra | Jamboree Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,828 | $3,852 | -$24 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $1,750 | +$250 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,678 | $8,452 | +$226 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,042 | $4,792 | +$250 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Darra | Jamboree Heights | 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 — Darra vs Jamboree Heights (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Darra and Jamboree Heights cost within $226 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,591, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $250 per year.
On public transport the gap is $250 per year, $5,042 from Darra versus $4,792 from Jamboree Heights.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $950 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Darra by $24 a year, $3,828 against $3,852.
- Building insurance favours Jamboree Heights by $250 a year, $1,750 against $2,000.
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.
Fire risk is rated medium in Darra against low in Jamboree Heights, which feeds the insurance estimate. The catchment state school scores 8.6 in Jamboree Heights against 5.5 in Darra, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Darra cumulative | Jamboree Heights cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,678 | $8,452 | $226 |
| Year 3 | $26,823 | $26,124 | $699 |
| Year 5 | $46,073 | $44,873 | $1,200 |
| Year 10 | $99,484 | $96,893 | $2,591 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Darra or Jamboree Heights cheaper to live in?
Jamboree Heights is cheaper to run by car at $8,452 per year versus $8,678 for Darra, a difference of $226 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Darra and Jamboree Heights?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Darra (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Jamboree Heights (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Darra and $1,900 in Jamboree Heights. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Darra and Jamboree Heights?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,828 from Darra and $3,852 from Jamboree Heights to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Darra and $192 from Jamboree Heights.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Darra and Jamboree Heights?
At 3% annual cost growth, Darra costs a cumulative $99,484 and Jamboree Heights costs $96,893 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,591 in favour of Jamboree Heights. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Darra and Jamboree Heights 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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.