Lockyer vs Upper Lockyer: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Lockyer and Upper Lockyer are both Lockyer Valley Regional Council suburbs, sitting 21 km and 21.9 km from Gatton CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $246 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 →Lockyer
Upper Lockyer
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Lockyer | Upper Lockyer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,395 | $1,395 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,412 | $5,558 | -$146 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,000 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,800 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $11,607 | $11,853 | -$246 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,387 | $6,487 | -$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Lockyer | Upper Lockyer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,265 | -$130 |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,874 | -$98 |
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 — Lockyer vs Upper Lockyer (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Lockyer and Upper Lockyer cost within $246 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,820, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $146 per year. Upper Lockyer is 21.9 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, $6,387 and $6,487 a year, so the $246 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 Lockyer by $146 a year, $5,412 against $5,558.
- Building insurance favours Lockyer by $100 a year, $2,900 against $3,000.
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 | Lockyer cumulative | Upper Lockyer cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,607 | $11,853 | $246 |
| Year 3 | $35,876 | $36,636 | $760 |
| Year 5 | $61,623 | $62,929 | $1,306 |
| Year 10 | $133,061 | $135,881 | $2,820 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lockyer or Upper Lockyer cheaper to live in?
Lockyer is cheaper to run by car at $11,607 per year versus $11,853 for Upper Lockyer, a difference of $246 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/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 $5,412 from Lockyer and $5,558 from Upper Lockyer to Gatton CBD (ATO 91c/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 $133,061 and Upper Lockyer costs $135,881 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,820 in favour of 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.