Ferny Grove vs Upper Kedron: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 12.1 km and 12 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $277 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 →Ferny Grove
Upper Kedron
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ferny Grove | Upper Kedron | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,470 | $3,447 | +$23 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,200 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $2,800 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $9,849 | $10,126 | -$277 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,571 | $6,871 | -$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Ferny Grove | Upper Kedron | 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 Grove vs Upper Kedron (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron cost within $277 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,175, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $300 per year.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $6,571 from Ferny Grove versus $6,871 from Upper Kedron.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Ferny Grove cumulative | Upper Kedron cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,849 | $10,126 | $277 |
| Year 3 | $30,442 | $31,298 | $856 |
| Year 5 | $52,290 | $53,760 | $1,470 |
| Year 10 | $112,908 | $116,083 | $3,175 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ferny Grove or Upper Kedron cheaper to live in?
Ferny Grove is cheaper to run by car at $9,849 per year versus $10,126 for Upper Kedron, a difference of $277 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Ferny Grove (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Upper Kedron (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Ferny Grove and $1,900 in Upper Kedron. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,470 from Ferny Grove and $3,447 from Upper Kedron to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Ferny Grove and $192 from Upper Kedron.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron?
At 3% annual cost growth, Ferny Grove costs a cumulative $112,908 and Upper Kedron costs $116,083 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,175 in favour of Ferny Grove. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.