Kearneys Spring vs Top Camp: 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 Top Camp are both Toowoomba Regional Council suburbs, sitting 5 km and 8.4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Kearneys Spring runs $956 a year cheaper than Top Camp, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $10,960.
Over 10 years, Kearneys Spring costs about $11,000 less to run than Top Camp — the same as paying $11,000 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Top Camp
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kearneys Spring | Top Camp | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,444 | $1,444 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,188 | $2,188 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,584 | $2,540 | -$956 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $2,000 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $1,900 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $7,216 | $8,172 | -$956 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,824 | $5,824 | - |
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 | Top Camp | 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 Top Camp (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kearneys Spring costs $956 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,960 in favour of Kearneys Spring.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $956 per year. Top Camp is 8.4 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,824 and $5,824 a year, so the $956 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kearneys Spring cumulative | Top Camp cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,216 | $8,172 | $956 |
| Year 3 | $22,304 | $25,259 | $2,955 |
| Year 5 | $38,311 | $43,386 | $5,075 |
| Year 10 | $82,723 | $93,683 | $10,960 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kearneys Spring or Top Camp cheaper to live in?
Kearneys Spring is cheaper to run by car at $7,216 per year versus $8,172 for Top Camp, a difference of $956 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 Top Camp?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,444 in Kearneys Spring (Toowoomba Regional Council) and $1,444 in Top Camp (Toowoomba Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,188 in Kearneys Spring and $2,188 in Top Camp. 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 Top Camp?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,584 from Kearneys Spring and $2,540 from Top Camp to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Kearneys Spring and $192 from Top Camp.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kearneys Spring and Top Camp?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kearneys Spring costs a cumulative $82,723 and Top Camp costs $93,683 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,960 in favour of Kearneys Spring. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kearneys Spring and Top Camp 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.