Doctor Creek vs Mount Darry: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Doctor Creek and Mount Darry are both Toowoomba Regional Council suburbs, sitting 45.1 km and 43.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $2 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.
Doctor Creek
Mount Darry
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Doctor Creek | Mount Darry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,444 | $1,444 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,188 | $2,188 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,649 | $6,697 | -$48 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,150 | $2,100 | +$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $1,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,431 | $12,429 | +$2 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,974 | $5,924 | +$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Doctor Creek | Mount Darry | 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 — Doctor Creek vs Mount Darry (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Doctor Creek and Mount Darry cost within $2 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $22, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $50 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,974 and $5,924 a year, so the $2 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Doctor Creek cumulative | Mount Darry cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,431 | $12,429 | $2 |
| Year 3 | $38,423 | $38,417 | $6 |
| Year 5 | $65,998 | $65,987 | $11 |
| Year 10 | $142,507 | $142,485 | $22 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Doctor Creek or Mount Darry cheaper to live in?
Mount Darry is cheaper to run by car at $12,429 per year versus $12,431 for Doctor Creek, a difference of $2 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Doctor Creek and Mount Darry?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,444 in Doctor Creek (Toowoomba Regional Council) and $1,444 in Mount Darry (Toowoomba Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,188 in Doctor Creek and $2,188 in Mount Darry. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Doctor Creek and Mount Darry?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,649 from Doctor Creek and $6,697 from Mount Darry to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Doctor Creek and $192 from Mount Darry.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Doctor Creek and Mount Darry?
At 3% annual cost growth, Doctor Creek costs a cumulative $142,507 and Mount Darry costs $142,485 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $22 in favour of Mount Darry. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Doctor Creek and Mount Darry 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: 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.