Karragarra Island vs Lamb Island: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Karragarra Island and Lamb Island are both Redland City Council suburbs, sitting 39 km and 39 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $0 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.
Karragarra Island
Lamb Island
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Karragarra Island | Lamb Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,436 | $1,436 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,308 | $2,308 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,754 | $6,754 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,000 | +$600 |
| Total (driving) | $13,598 | $13,598 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $7,036 | $7,036 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Karragarra Island | Lamb Island | 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 — Karragarra Island vs Lamb Island (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Karragarra Island and Lamb Island cost within $0 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $0, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $0 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,036 and $7,036 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Karragarra Island cumulative | Lamb Island cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,598 | $13,598 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $42,030 | $42,030 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $72,194 | $72,194 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $155,886 | $155,886 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Karragarra Island or Lamb Island cheaper to live in?
Karragarra Island is cheaper to run by car at $13,598 per year versus $13,598 for Lamb Island, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Karragarra Island and Lamb Island?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,436 in Karragarra Island (Redland City Council) and $1,436 in Lamb Island (Redland City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,308 in Karragarra Island and $2,308 in Lamb Island. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Karragarra Island and Lamb Island?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,754 from Karragarra Island and $6,754 from Lamb Island to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Karragarra Island and $192 from Lamb Island.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Karragarra Island and Lamb Island?
At 3% annual cost growth, Karragarra Island costs a cumulative $155,886 and Lamb Island costs $155,886 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Karragarra Island. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Karragarra Island and Lamb Island 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: Redland City Council and Redland 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.