Long Pocket vs Taringa: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Long Pocket and Taringa are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 6.1 km and 5 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $270 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 →Long Pocket
Taringa
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Long Pocket | Taringa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,904 | $1,584 | +$320 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,900 | $1,950 | -$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,200 | $3,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $7,283 | $7,013 | +$270 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,571 | $5,621 | -$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Long Pocket | Taringa | 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 — Long Pocket vs Taringa (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Long Pocket and Taringa cost within $270 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,095, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $320 per year. Long Pocket is 6.1 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, $5,571 and $5,621 a year, so the $270 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Long Pocket cumulative | Taringa cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,283 | $7,013 | $270 |
| Year 3 | $22,511 | $21,676 | $835 |
| Year 5 | $38,666 | $37,233 | $1,433 |
| Year 10 | $83,491 | $80,396 | $3,095 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Long Pocket or Taringa cheaper to live in?
Taringa is cheaper to run by car at $7,013 per year versus $7,283 for Long Pocket, a difference of $270 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Long Pocket and Taringa?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Long Pocket (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Taringa (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Long Pocket and $1,900 in Taringa. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Long Pocket and Taringa?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,904 from Long Pocket and $1,584 from Taringa to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Long Pocket and $192 from Taringa.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Long Pocket and Taringa?
At 3% annual cost growth, Long Pocket costs a cumulative $83,491 and Taringa costs $80,396 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,095 in favour of Taringa. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Long Pocket and Taringa 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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane 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.