Kalbar vs Kents Lagoon: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Kalbar and Kents Lagoon are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 37.6 km and 37 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $114 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 →Kalbar
Kents Lagoon
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kalbar | Kents Lagoon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,734 | $6,720 | +$14 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $3,100 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,400 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $13,210 | $13,096 | +$114 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,668 | $6,568 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Kalbar | Kents Lagoon | 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 — Kalbar vs Kents Lagoon (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kalbar and Kents Lagoon cost within $114 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,307, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $100 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,668 and $6,568 a year, so the $114 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kalbar cumulative | Kents Lagoon cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,210 | $13,096 | $114 |
| Year 3 | $40,831 | $40,478 | $353 |
| Year 5 | $70,134 | $69,528 | $606 |
| Year 10 | $151,438 | $150,131 | $1,307 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kalbar or Kents Lagoon cheaper to live in?
Kents Lagoon is cheaper to run by car at $13,096 per year versus $13,210 for Kalbar, a difference of $114 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kalbar and Kents Lagoon?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Kalbar (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Kents Lagoon (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Kalbar and $1,900 in Kents Lagoon. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Kalbar and Kents Lagoon?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,734 from Kalbar and $6,720 from Kents Lagoon to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Kalbar and $192 from Kents Lagoon.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kalbar and Kents Lagoon?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kalbar costs a cumulative $151,438 and Kents Lagoon costs $150,131 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,307 in favour of Kents Lagoon. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kalbar and Kents Lagoon 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.