Karawatha vs Logan Central: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Karawatha (Brisbane City Council) and Logan Central (Logan City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (19.2 km and 21 km).
The two sit within $11 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 →Karawatha
Logan Central
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Karawatha | Logan Central | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,816 | -$237 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $2,149 | -$249 |
| Commute (driving) | $4,931 | $5,234 | -$303 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $2,000 | +$800 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $2,800 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $11,210 | $11,199 | +$11 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,471 | $6,157 | +$314 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Karawatha | Logan Central | 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 — Karawatha vs Logan Central (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Karawatha and Logan Central cost within $11 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $126, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $800 per year.
On public transport the gap is $314 per year, $6,471 from Karawatha versus $6,157 from Logan Central.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Karawatha cumulative | Logan Central cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,210 | $11,199 | $11 |
| Year 3 | $34,649 | $34,615 | $34 |
| Year 5 | $59,515 | $59,457 | $58 |
| Year 10 | $128,510 | $128,384 | $126 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Karawatha or Logan Central cheaper to live in?
Logan Central is cheaper to run by car at $11,199 per year versus $11,210 for Karawatha, a difference of $11 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Karawatha and Logan Central?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Karawatha (Brisbane City Council) and $1,816 in Logan Central (Logan City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Karawatha and $2,149 in Logan Central. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Karawatha and Logan Central?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,931 from Karawatha and $5,234 from Logan Central to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Karawatha and $192 from Logan Central.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Karawatha and Logan Central?
At 3% annual cost growth, Karawatha costs a cumulative $128,510 and Logan Central costs $128,384 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $126 in favour of Logan Central. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Karawatha and Logan Central 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 Logan 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.