Flying Fox vs Illinbah: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Flying Fox and Illinbah are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 21.6 km and 21.7 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $84 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 →Flying Fox
Illinbah
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Flying Fox | Illinbah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,328 | $5,344 | -$16 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $3,100 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,400 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $11,804 | $11,720 | +$84 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,668 | $6,568 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Flying Fox | Illinbah | 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 — Flying Fox vs Illinbah (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Flying Fox and Illinbah cost within $84 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $963, 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 $6,568 a year, so the $84 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Flying Fox cumulative | Illinbah cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,804 | $11,720 | $84 |
| Year 3 | $36,485 | $36,225 | $260 |
| Year 5 | $62,669 | $62,223 | $446 |
| Year 10 | $135,320 | $134,357 | $963 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Flying Fox or Illinbah cheaper to live in?
Illinbah is cheaper to run by car at $11,720 per year versus $11,804 for Flying Fox, a difference of $84 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Flying Fox and Illinbah?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Flying Fox (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Illinbah (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Flying Fox and $1,900 in Illinbah. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Flying Fox and Illinbah?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,328 from Flying Fox and $5,344 from Illinbah to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Flying Fox and $192 from Illinbah.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Flying Fox and Illinbah?
At 3% annual cost growth, Flying Fox costs a cumulative $135,320 and Illinbah costs $134,357 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $963 in favour of Illinbah. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Flying Fox and Illinbah 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.