Laidley vs Laidley South, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Laidley and Laidley South are both Lockyer Valley Regional Council suburbs, sitting 16.1 km and 16.8 km from Gatton CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $194 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, Laidley costs about $2,200 less to run than Laidley South. That's about $4 a week.
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Laidley South
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Laidley | Laidley South | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,395 | $1,395 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $4,494 | $4,638 | -$144 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $4,494 | $4,638 | -$144 |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,950 | $2,000 | -$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,600 | $1,400 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $9,739 | $9,933 | -$194 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,739 | $9,933 | -$194 |
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 | Laidley | Laidley South | 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, Laidley vs Laidley South (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Laidley and Laidley South cost within $194 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,224, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $144 per year. Laidley South is 16.8 km from Gatton CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $9,739 and $9,933 a year, so the $194 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,395 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Laidley by $144 a year, $4,494 against $4,638.
- Building insurance favours Laidley by $50 a year, $1,950 against $2,000.
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 commute distance and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Laidley cumulative | Laidley South cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,739 | $9,933 | $194 |
| Year 3 | $30,102 | $30,702 | $600 |
| Year 5 | $51,706 | $52,736 | $1,030 |
| Year 10 | $111,647 | $113,871 | $2,224 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Laidley or Laidley South cheaper to live in?
Laidley is cheaper to run by car at $9,739 per year versus $9,933 for Laidley South, a difference of $194 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Laidley and Laidley South?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,395 in Laidley (Lockyer Valley Regional Council) and $1,395 in Laidley South (Lockyer Valley Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Laidley and $1,900 in Laidley South. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Laidley and Laidley South?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,494 from Laidley and $4,638 from Laidley South to Gatton CBD (ATO 91c/km). No daily public transport commute is assumed from either suburb, so both are costed by car.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Laidley and Laidley South?
At 3% annual cost growth, Laidley costs a cumulative $111,647 and Laidley South costs $113,871 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,224 in favour of Laidley. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Laidley and Laidley South suits you better?
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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 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.