Jindalee vs Kenmore: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Jindalee and Kenmore are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 11.2 km and 10 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $208 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 →Jindalee
Kenmore
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Jindalee | Kenmore | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,366 | $3,058 | +$308 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,000 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,116 | $8,908 | +$208 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,942 | $6,042 | -$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Jindalee | Kenmore | 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 — Jindalee vs Kenmore (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Jindalee and Kenmore cost within $208 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,385, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $308 per year. Jindalee is 11.2 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, $5,942 and $6,042 a year, so the $208 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 Kenmore by $308 a year, $3,058 against $3,366.
- Building insurance favours Jindalee by $100 a year, $2,900 against $3,000.
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 high in Kenmore against medium in Jindalee, which feeds the insurance estimate. The catchment state school scores 10 in Kenmore against 8.1 in Jindalee, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Jindalee cumulative | Kenmore cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,116 | $8,908 | $208 |
| Year 3 | $28,177 | $27,534 | $643 |
| Year 5 | $48,398 | $47,294 | $1,104 |
| Year 10 | $104,505 | $102,120 | $2,385 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jindalee or Kenmore cheaper to live in?
Kenmore is cheaper to run by car at $8,908 per year versus $9,116 for Jindalee, a difference of $208 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Jindalee and Kenmore?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Jindalee (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Kenmore (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Jindalee and $1,900 in Kenmore. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Jindalee and Kenmore?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,366 from Jindalee and $3,058 from Kenmore to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Jindalee and $192 from Kenmore.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Jindalee and Kenmore?
At 3% annual cost growth, Jindalee costs a cumulative $104,505 and Kenmore costs $102,120 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,385 in favour of Kenmore. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Jindalee and Kenmore 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.