Kearneys Spring vs Middle Ridge: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Kearneys Spring and Middle Ridge are both Toowoomba Regional Council suburbs, sitting 5 km and 5.5 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $3 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.
Kearneys Spring
Middle Ridge
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kearneys Spring | Middle Ridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,444 | $1,444 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,188 | $2,188 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,584 | $1,731 | -$147 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $1,850 | +$150 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,200 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $7,216 | $7,213 | +$3 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,824 | $5,674 | +$150 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Kearneys Spring | Middle Ridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,115 | $2,115 | - |
| Unit | $1,696 | $1,696 | - |
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 — Kearneys Spring vs Middle Ridge (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kearneys Spring and Middle Ridge cost within $3 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $34, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $150 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,824 and $5,674 a year, so the $3 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kearneys Spring cumulative | Middle Ridge cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,216 | $7,213 | $3 |
| Year 3 | $22,304 | $22,295 | $9 |
| Year 5 | $38,311 | $38,295 | $16 |
| Year 10 | $82,723 | $82,689 | $34 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kearneys Spring or Middle Ridge cheaper to live in?
Middle Ridge is cheaper to run by car at $7,213 per year versus $7,216 for Kearneys Spring, a difference of $3 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kearneys Spring and Middle Ridge?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,444 in Kearneys Spring (Toowoomba Regional Council) and $1,444 in Middle Ridge (Toowoomba Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,188 in Kearneys Spring and $2,188 in Middle Ridge. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Kearneys Spring and Middle Ridge?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,584 from Kearneys Spring and $1,731 from Middle Ridge to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Kearneys Spring and $192 from Middle Ridge.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kearneys Spring and Middle Ridge?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kearneys Spring costs a cumulative $82,723 and Middle Ridge costs $82,689 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $34 in favour of Middle Ridge. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kearneys Spring and Middle Ridge 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: Toowoomba Regional Council and Toowoomba Regional 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.