Kuraby vs Underwood, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Kuraby (Brisbane City Council) and Underwood (Logan City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (16.7 km and 17.6 km).
The two sit within $78 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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Underwood
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kuraby | Underwood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $950 | $1,699 | -$749 |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,900 | $2,149 | -$249 |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $4,617 | $4,797 | -$180 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,650 | $1,550 | +$1,100 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,400 | $2,800 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $10,117 | $10,195 | -$78 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,692 | $5,590 | +$102 |
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 | Kuraby | Underwood | 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, Kuraby vs Underwood (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kuraby and Underwood cost within $78 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $894, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $1,100 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,692 and $5,590 a year, so the $78 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates favours Kuraby by $749 a year, $950 against $1,699.
- Water and sewerage favours Kuraby by $249 a year, $1,900 against $2,149.
- Driving commute favours Kuraby by $180 a year, $4,617 against $4,797.
- Building insurance favours Underwood by $1,100 a year, $1,550 against $2,650.
They sit in different council areas, so the rates line is set by two different councils. For QLD that figure is the minimum residential general rate for an owner-occupied principal place of residence, a floor rather than a typical bill.
Fire risk is rated high in Kuraby against medium in Underwood, which feeds the insurance estimate.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kuraby cumulative | Underwood cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,117 | $10,195 | $78 |
| Year 3 | $31,271 | $31,512 | $241 |
| Year 5 | $53,713 | $54,127 | $414 |
| Year 10 | $115,980 | $116,874 | $894 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kuraby or Underwood cheaper to live in?
Kuraby is cheaper to run by car at $10,117 per year versus $10,195 for Underwood, a difference of $78 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kuraby and Underwood?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Kuraby (Brisbane City Council) and $1,699 in Underwood (Logan City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Kuraby and $2,149 in Underwood. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Kuraby and Underwood?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,617 from Kuraby and $4,797 from Underwood to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Kuraby and $192 from Underwood.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kuraby and Underwood?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kuraby costs a cumulative $115,980 and Underwood costs $116,874 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $894 in favour of Kuraby. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kuraby and Underwood suits you better?
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Sources: Brisbane City Council and Logan 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.