Enoggera Reservoir vs Upper Brookfield: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Enoggera Reservoir and Upper Brookfield are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 15.8 km and 17.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $88 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 →Enoggera Reservoir
Upper Brookfield
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Enoggera Reservoir | Upper Brookfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,431 | $4,719 | -$288 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $3,000 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,200 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $10,481 | $10,569 | -$88 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,242 | $6,042 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Enoggera Reservoir | Upper Brookfield | 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 — Enoggera Reservoir vs Upper Brookfield (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Enoggera Reservoir and Upper Brookfield cost within $88 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,009, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $288 per year. Upper Brookfield is 17.2 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $6,242 from Enoggera Reservoir versus $6,042 from Upper Brookfield.
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 Enoggera Reservoir by $288 a year, $4,431 against $4,719.
- Building insurance favours Upper Brookfield by $200 a year, $3,000 against $3,200.
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 | Enoggera Reservoir cumulative | Upper Brookfield cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,481 | $10,569 | $88 |
| Year 3 | $32,396 | $32,668 | $272 |
| Year 5 | $55,645 | $56,112 | $467 |
| Year 10 | $120,153 | $121,162 | $1,009 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Enoggera Reservoir or Upper Brookfield cheaper to live in?
Enoggera Reservoir is cheaper to run by car at $10,481 per year versus $10,569 for Upper Brookfield, a difference of $88 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Enoggera Reservoir and Upper Brookfield?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Enoggera Reservoir (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Upper Brookfield (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Enoggera Reservoir and $1,900 in Upper Brookfield. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Enoggera Reservoir and Upper Brookfield?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,431 from Enoggera Reservoir and $4,719 from Upper Brookfield to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Enoggera Reservoir and $192 from Upper Brookfield.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Enoggera Reservoir and Upper Brookfield?
At 3% annual cost growth, Enoggera Reservoir costs a cumulative $120,153 and Upper Brookfield costs $121,162 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,009 in favour of Enoggera Reservoir. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Enoggera Reservoir and Upper Brookfield 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.
Related comparisons
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.