Kenmore vs Kenmore Hills, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/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 $50 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.
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Kenmore Hills
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kenmore | Kenmore Hills | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $3,058 | $3,058 | - |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,100 | $2,150 | -$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,800 | $2,700 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $8,008 | $8,058 | -$50 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,142 | $5,192 | -$50 |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Kenmore | Kenmore Hills | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; 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 $50 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $573, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $50 per year. Kenmore Hills carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,142 and $5,192 a year, so the $50 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $950 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute is identical at $3,058 a year.
- Building insurance favours Kenmore by $50 a year, $2,100 against $2,150.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kenmore cumulative | Kenmore Hills cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,008 | $8,058 | $50 |
| Year 3 | $24,752 | $24,906 | $154 |
| Year 5 | $42,516 | $42,781 | $265 |
| Year 10 | $91,803 | $92,376 | $573 |
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 $8,008 per year versus $8,058 for Kenmore Hills, a difference of $50 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kenmore and Kenmore Hills?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Kenmore (Brisbane City Council) and $950 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 $3,058 from Kenmore and $3,058 from Kenmore Hills to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/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 $91,803 and Kenmore Hills costs $92,376 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $573 in favour of Kenmore. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kenmore and Kenmore Hills suits you better?
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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 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.