Hillview vs Lamington: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Hillview and Lamington are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 26.8 km and 31 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Hillview runs $394 a year cheaper than Lamington, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $4,517.
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 →Hillview
Lamington
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Hillview | Lamington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,022 | $6,416 | -$394 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,300 | $3,300 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,400 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,598 | $12,992 | -$394 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,768 | $6,768 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Hillview | Lamington | 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 — Hillview vs Lamington (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Hillview costs $394 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $4,517 in favour of Hillview.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $394 per year. Lamington is 31 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, $6,768 and $6,768 a year, so the $394 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Hillview cumulative | Lamington cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,598 | $12,992 | $394 |
| Year 3 | $38,939 | $40,157 | $1,218 |
| Year 5 | $66,884 | $68,976 | $2,092 |
| Year 10 | $144,422 | $148,939 | $4,517 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hillview or Lamington cheaper to live in?
Hillview is cheaper to run by car at $12,598 per year versus $12,992 for Lamington, a difference of $394 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Hillview and Lamington?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Hillview (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Lamington (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Hillview and $1,900 in Lamington. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Hillview and Lamington?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,022 from Hillview and $6,416 from Lamington to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Hillview and $192 from Lamington.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Hillview and Lamington?
At 3% annual cost growth, Hillview costs a cumulative $144,422 and Lamington costs $148,939 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $4,517 in favour of Hillview. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Hillview and Lamington 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.