Loganlea vs Meadowbrook: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Loganlea and Meadowbrook are both Logan City Council suburbs, sitting 25.4 km and 24.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Loganlea runs $949 a year cheaper than Meadowbrook, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $10,879.
Over 10 years, Loganlea costs about $10,900 less to run than Meadowbrook — the same as paying $10,900 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Meadowbrook
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Loganlea | Meadowbrook | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,816 | $1,816 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,149 | $2,149 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,858 | $5,757 | +$101 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,800 | $2,850 | -$1,050 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,600 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $11,623 | $12,572 | -$949 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,957 | $7,007 | -$1,050 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Loganlea | Meadowbrook | 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 — Loganlea vs Meadowbrook (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Loganlea costs $949 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,879 in favour of Loganlea.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $1,050 per year.
On public transport the gap is $1,050 per year, $5,957 from Loganlea versus $7,007 from Meadowbrook.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Loganlea cumulative | Meadowbrook cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,623 | $12,572 | $949 |
| Year 3 | $35,926 | $38,859 | $2,933 |
| Year 5 | $61,708 | $66,746 | $5,038 |
| Year 10 | $133,245 | $144,124 | $10,879 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Loganlea or Meadowbrook cheaper to live in?
Loganlea is cheaper to run by car at $11,623 per year versus $12,572 for Meadowbrook, a difference of $949 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Loganlea and Meadowbrook?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,816 in Loganlea (Logan City Council) and $1,816 in Meadowbrook (Logan City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,149 in Loganlea and $2,149 in Meadowbrook. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Loganlea and Meadowbrook?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,858 from Loganlea and $5,757 from Meadowbrook to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Loganlea and $192 from Meadowbrook.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Loganlea and Meadowbrook?
At 3% annual cost growth, Loganlea costs a cumulative $133,245 and Meadowbrook costs $144,124 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,879 in favour of Loganlea. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Loganlea and Meadowbrook 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.
Related comparisons
Sources: Logan City Council and Logan City 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.