Frenches Creek 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
Frenches Creek and Mount French are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 35.2 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 $77 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 →Frenches Creek
Mount French
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Frenches Creek | Mount French | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,661 | $6,684 | -$23 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,400 | $3,300 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,400 | - |
| Total (driving) | $13,337 | $13,260 | +$77 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,868 | $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 | Frenches Creek | 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 — Frenches Creek vs Mount French (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Frenches Creek and Mount French cost within $77 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $883, 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, $6,868 and $6,768 a year, so the $77 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Frenches Creek cumulative | Mount French cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,337 | $13,260 | $77 |
| Year 3 | $41,223 | $40,985 | $238 |
| Year 5 | $70,808 | $70,399 | $409 |
| Year 10 | $152,894 | $152,011 | $883 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Frenches Creek or Mount French cheaper to live in?
Mount French is cheaper to run by car at $13,260 per year versus $13,337 for Frenches Creek, a difference of $77 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Frenches Creek and Mount French?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Frenches Creek (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Mount French (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Frenches Creek 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 Frenches Creek and Mount French?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,661 from Frenches Creek and $6,684 from Mount French to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Frenches Creek and $192 from Mount French.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Frenches Creek and Mount French?
At 3% annual cost growth, Frenches Creek costs a cumulative $152,894 and Mount French costs $152,011 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $883 in favour of Mount French. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Frenches Creek 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.