Jamboree Heights vs Middle Park, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Jamboree Heights and Middle Park are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 13.2 km and 14 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $284 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, Jamboree Heights costs about $3,300 less to run than Middle Park. That's about $6 a week.
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Middle Park
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Jamboree Heights | Middle Park | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $3,852 | $4,036 | -$184 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,300 | $1,400 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,800 | $2,600 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $8,002 | $8,286 | -$284 |
| Total (public transport) | $4,342 | $4,442 | -$100 |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Jamboree Heights | Middle Park | 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, Jamboree Heights vs Middle Park (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Jamboree Heights and Middle Park cost within $284 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,256, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $184 per year. Middle Park is 14 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, $4,342 and $4,442 a year, so the $284 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 Jamboree Heights by $184 a year, $3,852 against $4,036.
- Building insurance favours Jamboree Heights by $100 a year, $1,300 against $1,400.
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 and the insurance band.
Fire risk is rated medium in Middle Park against low in Jamboree Heights, which feeds the insurance estimate.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Jamboree Heights cumulative | Middle Park cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,002 | $8,286 | $284 |
| Year 3 | $24,733 | $25,611 | $878 |
| Year 5 | $42,484 | $43,991 | $1,507 |
| Year 10 | $91,734 | $94,990 | $3,256 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jamboree Heights or Middle Park cheaper to live in?
Jamboree Heights is cheaper to run by car at $8,002 per year versus $8,286 for Middle Park, a difference of $284 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Jamboree Heights and Middle Park?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Jamboree Heights (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Middle Park (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Jamboree Heights and $1,900 in Middle Park. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Jamboree Heights and Middle Park?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,852 from Jamboree Heights and $4,036 from Middle Park to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Jamboree Heights and $192 from Middle Park.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Jamboree Heights and Middle Park?
At 3% annual cost growth, Jamboree Heights costs a cumulative $91,734 and Middle Park costs $94,990 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,256 in favour of Jamboree Heights. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Jamboree Heights and Middle Park suits you better?
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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 insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.