Donnybrook vs Meldale, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Donnybrook and Meldale are both Moreton Bay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 51.8 km and 49.4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $73 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.
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Meldale
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Donnybrook | Meldale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,309 | $1,309 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $2,144 | $2,144 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $6,380 | $6,603 | -$223 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,350 | $2,200 | +$150 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,183 | $12,256 | -$73 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,995 | $5,845 | +$150 |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Donnybrook | Meldale | 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, Donnybrook vs Meldale (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Donnybrook and Meldale cost within $73 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $837, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $223 per year. Donnybrook is 51.8 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,995 and $5,845 a year, so the $73 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,309 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,144 a year.
- Driving commute favours Donnybrook by $223 a year, $6,380 against $6,603.
- Building insurance favours Meldale by $150 a year, $2,200 against $2,350.
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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Donnybrook cumulative | Meldale cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,183 | $12,256 | $73 |
| Year 3 | $37,656 | $37,882 | $226 |
| Year 5 | $64,681 | $65,069 | $388 |
| Year 10 | $139,664 | $140,501 | $837 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Donnybrook or Meldale cheaper to live in?
Donnybrook is cheaper to run by car at $12,183 per year versus $12,256 for Meldale, a difference of $73 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Donnybrook and Meldale?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,309 in Donnybrook (Moreton Bay Regional Council) and $1,309 in Meldale (Moreton Bay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,144 in Donnybrook and $2,144 in Meldale. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Donnybrook and Meldale?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,380 from Donnybrook and $6,603 from Meldale to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Donnybrook and $192 from Meldale.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Donnybrook and Meldale?
At 3% annual cost growth, Donnybrook costs a cumulative $139,664 and Meldale costs $140,501 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $837 in favour of Donnybrook. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Donnybrook and Meldale suits you better?
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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 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.