Karragarra Island vs Russell 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 Russell Island are both Redland City Council suburbs, sitting 39 km and 41.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $211 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 →Karragarra Island
Russell Island
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Karragarra Island | Russell Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,436 | $1,436 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,308 | $2,308 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,754 | $6,743 | +$11 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $2,900 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,200 | +$400 |
| Total (driving) | $13,598 | $13,387 | +$211 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,036 | $6,836 | +$200 |
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 | Russell 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 Russell Island (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Karragarra Island and Russell Island cost within $211 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,419, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $200 per year.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $7,036 from Karragarra Island versus $6,836 from Russell Island.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Karragarra Island cumulative | Russell Island cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,598 | $13,387 | $211 |
| Year 3 | $42,030 | $41,378 | $652 |
| Year 5 | $72,194 | $71,073 | $1,121 |
| Year 10 | $155,886 | $153,467 | $2,419 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Karragarra Island or Russell Island cheaper to live in?
Russell Island is cheaper to run by car at $13,387 per year versus $13,598 for Karragarra Island, a difference of $211 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 Russell Island?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,436 in Karragarra Island (Redland City Council) and $1,436 in Russell Island (Redland City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,308 in Karragarra Island and $2,308 in Russell 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 Russell Island?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,754 from Karragarra Island and $6,743 from Russell Island to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Karragarra Island and $192 from Russell Island.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Karragarra Island and Russell Island?
At 3% annual cost growth, Karragarra Island costs a cumulative $155,886 and Russell Island costs $153,467 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,419 in favour of Russell Island. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Karragarra Island and Russell 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.
Related comparisons
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.