Kentville vs Morton Vale: 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 Morton Vale are both Lockyer Valley Regional Council suburbs, sitting 17 km and 13.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Morton Vale runs $822 a year cheaper than Kentville, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $9,423.
Over 10 years, Morton Vale costs about $9,400 less to run than Kentville — the same as paying $9,400 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Morton Vale
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kentville | Morton Vale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,395 | $1,395 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,524 | $3,702 | +$822 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,900 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,719 | $9,897 | +$822 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,387 | $6,387 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Kentville | Morton Vale | 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 Morton Vale (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Morton Vale costs $822 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $9,423 in favour of Morton Vale.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $822 per year. Kentville is 17 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, $6,387 and $6,387 a year, so the $822 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kentville cumulative | Morton Vale cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,719 | $9,897 | $822 |
| Year 3 | $33,131 | $30,591 | $2,540 |
| Year 5 | $56,909 | $52,545 | $4,364 |
| Year 10 | $122,881 | $113,458 | $9,423 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kentville or Morton Vale cheaper to live in?
Morton Vale is cheaper to run by car at $9,897 per year versus $10,719 for Kentville, a difference of $822 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kentville and Morton Vale?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,395 in Kentville (Lockyer Valley Regional Council) and $1,395 in Morton Vale (Lockyer Valley Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Kentville and $1,900 in Morton Vale. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Kentville and Morton Vale?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,524 from Kentville and $3,702 from Morton Vale to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Kentville and $192 from Morton Vale.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kentville and Morton Vale?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kentville costs a cumulative $122,881 and Morton Vale costs $113,458 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $9,423 in favour of Morton Vale. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kentville and Morton Vale 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: 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.