Ferny Glen vs Flying Fox: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Ferny Glen and Flying Fox are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 18.9 km and 21.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Ferny Glen runs $350 a year cheaper than Flying Fox, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $4,013.
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 →Ferny Glen
Flying Fox
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ferny Glen | Flying Fox | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,878 | $5,328 | -$450 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,300 | $3,200 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,500 | -$100 |
| Total (driving) | $11,454 | $11,804 | -$350 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,768 | $6,668 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Ferny Glen | Flying Fox | 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 — Ferny Glen vs Flying Fox (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Ferny Glen costs $350 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $4,013 in favour of Ferny Glen.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $450 per year. Flying Fox is 21.6 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,768 and $6,668 a year, so the $350 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Ferny Glen cumulative | Flying Fox cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,454 | $11,804 | $350 |
| Year 3 | $35,403 | $36,485 | $1,082 |
| Year 5 | $60,811 | $62,669 | $1,858 |
| Year 10 | $131,307 | $135,320 | $4,013 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ferny Glen or Flying Fox cheaper to live in?
Ferny Glen is cheaper to run by car at $11,454 per year versus $11,804 for Flying Fox, a difference of $350 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Ferny Glen and Flying Fox?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Ferny Glen (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Flying Fox (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Ferny Glen and $1,900 in Flying Fox. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Ferny Glen and Flying Fox?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,878 from Ferny Glen and $5,328 from Flying Fox to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Ferny Glen and $192 from Flying Fox.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Ferny Glen and Flying Fox?
At 3% annual cost growth, Ferny Glen costs a cumulative $131,307 and Flying Fox costs $135,320 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $4,013 in favour of Ferny Glen. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Ferny Glen and Flying Fox 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: 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.