Kenmore vs Kenmore Hills: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Kenmore and Kenmore Hills are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 10 km and 10 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $100 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 →Kenmore
Kenmore Hills
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kenmore | Kenmore Hills | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,957 | $2,957 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $3,100 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,700 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $9,436 | $9,536 | -$100 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,671 | $6,771 | -$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Kenmore | Kenmore Hills | 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 — Kenmore vs Kenmore Hills (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kenmore and Kenmore Hills cost within $100 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,147, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $100 per year. Kenmore Hills carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,671 and $6,771 a year, so the $100 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kenmore cumulative | Kenmore Hills cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,436 | $9,536 | $100 |
| Year 3 | $29,166 | $29,475 | $309 |
| Year 5 | $50,097 | $50,628 | $531 |
| Year 10 | $108,173 | $109,320 | $1,147 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kenmore or Kenmore Hills cheaper to live in?
Kenmore is cheaper to run by car at $9,436 per year versus $9,536 for Kenmore Hills, a difference of $100 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kenmore and Kenmore Hills?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Kenmore (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Kenmore Hills (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Kenmore and $1,900 in Kenmore Hills. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Kenmore and Kenmore Hills?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,957 from Kenmore and $2,957 from Kenmore Hills to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Kenmore and $192 from Kenmore Hills.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kenmore and Kenmore Hills?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kenmore costs a cumulative $108,173 and Kenmore Hills costs $109,320 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,147 in favour of Kenmore. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kenmore and Kenmore Hills 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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane 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.