Ferny Hills 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 Hills (Moreton Bay Regional Council) and Upper Kedron (Brisbane City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (13.3 km and 12 km).
Upper Kedron runs $301 a year cheaper than Ferny Hills, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,451.
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 Hills
Upper Kedron
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ferny Hills | Upper Kedron | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,636 | $1,579 | +$57 |
| Water & sewerage | $2,144 | $1,900 | +$244 |
| Commute (driving) | $3,747 | $3,447 | +$300 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,200 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,800 | -$500 |
| Total (driving) | $10,427 | $10,126 | +$301 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,872 | $6,871 | +$1 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Ferny Hills | 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 Hills vs Upper Kedron (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Upper Kedron costs $301 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,451 in favour of Upper Kedron.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $300 per year. Ferny Hills is 13.3 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, $6,872 and $6,871 a year, so the $301 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Ferny Hills cumulative | Upper Kedron cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,427 | $10,126 | $301 |
| Year 3 | $32,229 | $31,298 | $931 |
| Year 5 | $55,358 | $53,760 | $1,598 |
| Year 10 | $119,534 | $116,083 | $3,451 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ferny Hills or Upper Kedron cheaper to live in?
Upper Kedron is cheaper to run by car at $10,126 per year versus $10,427 for Ferny Hills, a difference of $301 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Ferny Hills and Upper Kedron?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,636 in Ferny Hills (Moreton Bay Regional Council) and $1,579 in Upper Kedron (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,144 in Ferny Hills 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 Hills and Upper Kedron?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,747 from Ferny Hills and $3,447 from Upper Kedron to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Ferny Hills and $192 from Upper Kedron.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Ferny Hills and Upper Kedron?
At 3% annual cost growth, Ferny Hills costs a cumulative $119,534 and Upper Kedron costs $116,083 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,451 in favour of Upper Kedron. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Ferny Hills 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.
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Sources: Moreton Bay Regional 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.