Ma Ma Creek vs Upper Tenthill: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Ma Ma Creek and Upper Tenthill are both Lockyer Valley Regional Council suburbs, sitting 12.5 km and 12.7 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $54 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 →Ma Ma Creek
Upper Tenthill
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ma Ma Creek | Upper Tenthill | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,395 | $1,395 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,564 | $3,610 | -$46 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $3,100 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,300 | $1,500 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $10,059 | $10,005 | +$54 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,687 | $6,587 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Ma Ma Creek | Upper Tenthill | 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 — Ma Ma Creek vs Upper Tenthill (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Ma Ma Creek and Upper Tenthill cost within $54 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $619, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $100 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,687 and $6,587 a year, so the $54 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Ma Ma Creek cumulative | Upper Tenthill cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,059 | $10,005 | $54 |
| Year 3 | $31,091 | $30,924 | $167 |
| Year 5 | $53,405 | $53,118 | $287 |
| Year 10 | $115,315 | $114,696 | $619 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ma Ma Creek or Upper Tenthill cheaper to live in?
Upper Tenthill is cheaper to run by car at $10,005 per year versus $10,059 for Ma Ma Creek, a difference of $54 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Ma Ma Creek and Upper Tenthill?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,395 in Ma Ma Creek (Lockyer Valley Regional Council) and $1,395 in Upper Tenthill (Lockyer Valley Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Ma Ma Creek and $1,900 in Upper Tenthill. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Ma Ma Creek and Upper Tenthill?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,564 from Ma Ma Creek and $3,610 from Upper Tenthill to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Ma Ma Creek and $192 from Upper Tenthill.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Ma Ma Creek and Upper Tenthill?
At 3% annual cost growth, Ma Ma Creek costs a cumulative $115,315 and Upper Tenthill costs $114,696 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $619 in favour of Upper Tenthill. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Ma Ma Creek and Upper Tenthill 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.