Lockyer vs Upper Lockyer: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Lockyer and Upper Lockyer are both Lockyer Valley Regional Council suburbs, sitting 21 km and 14.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Upper Lockyer runs $1,166 a year cheaper than Lockyer, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $13,367.
Over 10 years, Upper Lockyer costs about $13,400 less to run than Lockyer — the same as paying $13,400 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Upper Lockyer
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Lockyer | Upper Lockyer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,395 | $1,395 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,234 | $3,968 | +$1,266 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,000 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,800 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $11,429 | $10,263 | +$1,166 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,387 | $6,487 | -$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Lockyer | Upper Lockyer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $1,976 | $2,115 | -$139 |
| Unit | $1,591 | $1,696 | -$105 |
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 — Lockyer vs Upper Lockyer (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Upper Lockyer costs $1,166 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $13,367 in favour of Upper Lockyer.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $1,266 per year. Lockyer is 21 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 $6,487 a year, so the $1,166 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Lockyer cumulative | Upper Lockyer cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,429 | $10,263 | $1,166 |
| Year 3 | $35,326 | $31,722 | $3,604 |
| Year 5 | $60,678 | $54,488 | $6,190 |
| Year 10 | $131,021 | $117,654 | $13,367 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lockyer or Upper Lockyer cheaper to live in?
Upper Lockyer is cheaper to run by car at $10,263 per year versus $11,429 for Lockyer, a difference of $1,166 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Lockyer and Upper Lockyer?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,395 in Lockyer (Lockyer Valley Regional Council) and $1,395 in Upper Lockyer (Lockyer Valley Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Lockyer and $1,900 in Upper Lockyer. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Lockyer and Upper Lockyer?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,234 from Lockyer and $3,968 from Upper Lockyer to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Lockyer and $192 from Upper Lockyer.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Lockyer and Upper Lockyer?
At 3% annual cost growth, Lockyer costs a cumulative $131,021 and Upper Lockyer costs $117,654 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $13,367 in favour of Upper Lockyer. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Lockyer and Upper Lockyer 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.