Hemmant vs Murarrie: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Hemmant and Murarrie are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 10.8 km and 8.4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Murarrie runs $638 a year cheaper than Hemmant, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $7,314.
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 →Hemmant
Murarrie
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Hemmant | Murarrie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,265 | $2,627 | +$638 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $2,000 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,500 | $3,000 | -$500 |
| Total (driving) | $8,115 | $7,477 | +$638 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,042 | $5,042 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Hemmant | Murarrie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Hemmant vs Murarrie (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Murarrie costs $638 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $7,314 in favour of Murarrie.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $638 per year. Hemmant is 10.8 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,042 and $5,042 a year, so the $638 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $950 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Murarrie by $638 a year, $2,627 against $3,265.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,000 a year.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Hemmant cumulative | Murarrie cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,115 | $7,477 | $638 |
| Year 3 | $25,083 | $23,111 | $1,972 |
| Year 5 | $43,084 | $39,696 | $3,388 |
| Year 10 | $93,029 | $85,715 | $7,314 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hemmant or Murarrie cheaper to live in?
Murarrie is cheaper to run by car at $7,477 per year versus $8,115 for Hemmant, a difference of $638 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Hemmant and Murarrie?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Hemmant (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Murarrie (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Hemmant and $1,900 in Murarrie. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Hemmant and Murarrie?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,265 from Hemmant and $2,627 from Murarrie to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Hemmant and $192 from Murarrie.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Hemmant and Murarrie?
At 3% annual cost growth, Hemmant costs a cumulative $93,029 and Murarrie costs $85,715 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $7,314 in favour of Murarrie. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Hemmant and Murarrie 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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.