Karana Downs vs Mount Crosby: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Karana Downs and Mount Crosby are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 21.9 km and 22.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $80 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 →Karana Downs
Mount Crosby
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Karana Downs | Mount Crosby | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,375 | $5,405 | -$30 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $3,000 | -$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,804 | $11,884 | -$80 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,621 | $6,671 | -$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Karana Downs | Mount Crosby | 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 — Karana Downs vs Mount Crosby (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Karana Downs and Mount Crosby cost within $80 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $917, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $50 per year. Mount Crosby carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,621 and $6,671 a year, so the $80 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Karana Downs cumulative | Mount Crosby cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,804 | $11,884 | $80 |
| Year 3 | $36,485 | $36,732 | $247 |
| Year 5 | $62,669 | $63,094 | $425 |
| Year 10 | $135,320 | $136,237 | $917 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Karana Downs or Mount Crosby cheaper to live in?
Karana Downs is cheaper to run by car at $11,804 per year versus $11,884 for Mount Crosby, a difference of $80 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Karana Downs and Mount Crosby?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Karana Downs (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Mount Crosby (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Karana Downs and $1,900 in Mount Crosby. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Karana Downs and Mount Crosby?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,375 from Karana Downs and $5,405 from Mount Crosby to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Karana Downs and $192 from Mount Crosby.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Karana Downs and Mount Crosby?
At 3% annual cost growth, Karana Downs costs a cumulative $135,320 and Mount Crosby costs $136,237 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $917 in favour of Karana Downs. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Karana Downs and Mount Crosby 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.