Jamboree Heights vs Middle Park: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/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.
Jamboree Heights runs $328 a year cheaper than Middle Park, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,760.
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 →Jamboree Heights
Middle Park
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Jamboree Heights | Middle Park | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,725 | $3,903 | -$178 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,750 | $1,900 | -$150 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,600 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $8,954 | $9,282 | -$328 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,421 | $5,571 | -$150 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Jamboree Heights | Middle Park | 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 — Jamboree Heights vs Middle Park (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Jamboree Heights costs $328 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,760 in favour of Jamboree Heights.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $178 per year. Middle Park is 14 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, $5,421 and $5,571 a year, so the $328 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Jamboree Heights cumulative | Middle Park cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,954 | $9,282 | $328 |
| Year 3 | $27,676 | $28,690 | $1,014 |
| Year 5 | $47,538 | $49,279 | $1,741 |
| Year 10 | $102,648 | $106,408 | $3,760 |
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 $8,954 per year versus $9,282 for Middle Park, a difference of $328 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/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 $1,579 in Jamboree Heights (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 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 $3,725 from Jamboree Heights and $3,903 from Middle Park to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/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 $102,648 and Middle Park costs $106,408 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,760 in favour of Jamboree Heights. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Jamboree Heights and Middle Park 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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City 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.