Darra vs Oxley: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Darra and Oxley are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 13.1 km and 11.4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Darra runs $3,101 a year cheaper than Oxley, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $35,549.
Over 10 years, Darra costs about $35,500 less to run than Oxley — the same as paying $35,500 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Oxley
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Darra | Oxley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,702 | $3,303 | +$399 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $5,500 | -$3,500 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,400 | +$400 |
| Total (driving) | $9,181 | $12,282 | -$3,101 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,671 | $9,171 | -$3,500 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Darra | Oxley | 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 — Darra vs Oxley (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Darra costs $3,101 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $35,549 in favour of Darra.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $3,500 per year. Oxley carries high flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap is $3,500 per year, $5,671 from Darra versus $9,171 from Oxley.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Darra cumulative | Oxley cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,181 | $12,282 | $3,101 |
| Year 3 | $28,378 | $37,962 | $9,584 |
| Year 5 | $48,743 | $65,207 | $16,464 |
| Year 10 | $105,250 | $140,799 | $35,549 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Darra or Oxley cheaper to live in?
Darra is cheaper to run by car at $9,181 per year versus $12,282 for Oxley, a difference of $3,101 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Darra and Oxley?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Darra (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Oxley (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Darra and $1,900 in Oxley. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Darra and Oxley?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,702 from Darra and $3,303 from Oxley to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Darra and $192 from Oxley.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Darra and Oxley?
At 3% annual cost growth, Darra costs a cumulative $105,250 and Oxley costs $140,799 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $35,549 in favour of Darra. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Darra and Oxley 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.