Fassifern Valley vs Mount French: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Fassifern Valley and Mount French are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 37.7 km and 35.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $48 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 →Fassifern Valley
Mount French
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Fassifern Valley | Mount French | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,736 | $6,684 | +$52 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $3,300 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,400 | - |
| Total (driving) | $13,212 | $13,260 | -$48 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,668 | $6,768 | -$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Fassifern Valley | Mount French | 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 — Fassifern Valley vs Mount French (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Fassifern Valley and Mount French cost within $48 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $550, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $100 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,668 and $6,768 a year, so the $48 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Fassifern Valley cumulative | Mount French cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,212 | $13,260 | $48 |
| Year 3 | $40,837 | $40,985 | $148 |
| Year 5 | $70,144 | $70,399 | $255 |
| Year 10 | $151,461 | $152,011 | $550 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fassifern Valley or Mount French cheaper to live in?
Fassifern Valley is cheaper to run by car at $13,212 per year versus $13,260 for Mount French, a difference of $48 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Fassifern Valley and Mount French?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Fassifern Valley (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Mount French (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Fassifern Valley and $1,900 in Mount French. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Fassifern Valley and Mount French?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,736 from Fassifern Valley and $6,684 from Mount French to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Fassifern Valley and $192 from Mount French.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Fassifern Valley and Mount French?
At 3% annual cost growth, Fassifern Valley costs a cumulative $151,461 and Mount French costs $152,011 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $550 in favour of Fassifern Valley. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Fassifern Valley and Mount French 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: Scenic Rim Regional Council and Scenic Rim 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.