Eagle Farm vs Hendra: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Eagle Farm and Hendra are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 7.6 km and 7.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $185 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 →Eagle Farm
Hendra
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Eagle Farm | Hendra | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,403 | $2,318 | +$85 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,900 | $1,800 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $3,200 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $7,153 | $6,968 | +$185 |
| Total (public transport) | $4,942 | $4,842 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Eagle Farm | Hendra | 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 — Eagle Farm vs Hendra (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Eagle Farm and Hendra cost within $185 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,121, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $100 per year. Eagle Farm carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $4,942 and $4,842 a year, so the $185 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
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 Hendra by $85 a year, $2,318 against $2,403.
- Building insurance favours Hendra by $100 a year, $1,800 against $1,900.
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 | Eagle Farm cumulative | Hendra cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,153 | $6,968 | $185 |
| Year 3 | $22,109 | $21,537 | $572 |
| Year 5 | $37,976 | $36,994 | $982 |
| Year 10 | $82,001 | $79,880 | $2,121 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eagle Farm or Hendra cheaper to live in?
Hendra is cheaper to run by car at $6,968 per year versus $7,153 for Eagle Farm, a difference of $185 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Eagle Farm and Hendra?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Eagle Farm (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Hendra (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Eagle Farm and $1,900 in Hendra. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Eagle Farm and Hendra?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,403 from Eagle Farm and $2,318 from Hendra to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Eagle Farm and $192 from Hendra.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Eagle Farm and Hendra?
At 3% annual cost growth, Eagle Farm costs a cumulative $82,001 and Hendra costs $79,880 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,121 in favour of Hendra. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Eagle Farm and Hendra 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.