Kentville vs Lockrose: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Kentville and Lockrose are both Lockyer Valley Regional Council suburbs, sitting 17 km and 19.7 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $206 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 →Kentville
Lockrose
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kentville | Lockrose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,395 | $1,395 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,524 | $5,018 | -$494 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,200 | +$700 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,400 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $10,719 | $10,513 | +$206 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,387 | $5,687 | +$700 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Kentville | Lockrose | 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 — Kentville vs Lockrose (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kentville and Lockrose cost within $206 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,361, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $700 per year.
On public transport the gap is $700 per year, $6,387 from Kentville versus $5,687 from Lockrose.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kentville cumulative | Lockrose cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,719 | $10,513 | $206 |
| Year 3 | $33,131 | $32,495 | $636 |
| Year 5 | $56,909 | $55,815 | $1,094 |
| Year 10 | $122,881 | $120,520 | $2,361 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kentville or Lockrose cheaper to live in?
Lockrose is cheaper to run by car at $10,513 per year versus $10,719 for Kentville, a difference of $206 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kentville and Lockrose?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,395 in Kentville (Lockyer Valley Regional Council) and $1,395 in Lockrose (Lockyer Valley Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Kentville and $1,900 in Lockrose. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Kentville and Lockrose?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,524 from Kentville and $5,018 from Lockrose to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Kentville and $192 from Lockrose.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kentville and Lockrose?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kentville costs a cumulative $122,881 and Lockrose costs $120,520 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,361 in favour of Lockrose. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kentville and Lockrose 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: Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Lockyer Valley 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.