Kangaroo Point vs New Farm: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Kangaroo Point and New Farm are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 1.4 km and 2.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $201 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 →Kangaroo Point
New Farm
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kangaroo Point | New Farm | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $514 | $715 | -$201 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $5,500 | $5,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $5,264 | $5,465 | -$201 |
| Total (public transport) | $4,942 | $4,942 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Kangaroo Point | New Farm | 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 — Kangaroo Point vs New Farm (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kangaroo Point and New Farm cost within $201 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,304, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $201 per year. New Farm is 2.1 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, $4,942 and $4,942 a year, so the $201 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 Kangaroo Point by $201 a year, $514 against $715.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,900 a year.
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.
Flood risk is rated medium in New Farm against low in Kangaroo Point, which feeds the insurance estimate.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kangaroo Point cumulative | New Farm cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $5,264 | $5,465 | $201 |
| Year 3 | $16,270 | $16,892 | $622 |
| Year 5 | $27,947 | $29,014 | $1,067 |
| Year 10 | $60,346 | $62,650 | $2,304 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kangaroo Point or New Farm cheaper to live in?
Kangaroo Point is cheaper to run by car at $5,264 per year versus $5,465 for New Farm, a difference of $201 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kangaroo Point and New Farm?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Kangaroo Point (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in New Farm (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Kangaroo Point and $1,900 in New Farm. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Kangaroo Point and New Farm?
Annual driving commute costs are $514 from Kangaroo Point and $715 from New Farm to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Kangaroo Point and $192 from New Farm.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kangaroo Point and New Farm?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kangaroo Point costs a cumulative $60,346 and New Farm costs $62,650 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,304 in favour of Kangaroo Point. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kangaroo Point and New Farm 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.