Meadowbrook vs Slacks Creek: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Meadowbrook and Slacks Creek are both Logan City Council suburbs, sitting 24.6 km and 21.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Slacks Creek runs $332 a year cheaper than Meadowbrook, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,806.
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 →Meadowbrook
Slacks Creek
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Meadowbrook | Slacks Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,816 | $1,816 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,149 | $2,149 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,757 | $5,375 | +$382 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,850 | $2,900 | -$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,800 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $12,572 | $12,240 | +$332 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,007 | $7,057 | -$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Meadowbrook | Slacks Creek | 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 — Meadowbrook vs Slacks Creek (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Slacks Creek costs $332 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,806 in favour of Slacks Creek.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $382 per year. Meadowbrook is 24.6 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, $7,007 and $7,057 a year, so the $332 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Meadowbrook cumulative | Slacks Creek cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,572 | $12,240 | $332 |
| Year 3 | $38,859 | $37,833 | $1,026 |
| Year 5 | $66,746 | $64,984 | $1,762 |
| Year 10 | $144,124 | $140,318 | $3,806 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Meadowbrook or Slacks Creek cheaper to live in?
Slacks Creek is cheaper to run by car at $12,240 per year versus $12,572 for Meadowbrook, a difference of $332 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Meadowbrook and Slacks Creek?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,816 in Meadowbrook (Logan City Council) and $1,816 in Slacks Creek (Logan City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,149 in Meadowbrook and $2,149 in Slacks Creek. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Meadowbrook and Slacks Creek?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,757 from Meadowbrook and $5,375 from Slacks Creek to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Meadowbrook and $192 from Slacks Creek.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Meadowbrook and Slacks Creek?
At 3% annual cost growth, Meadowbrook costs a cumulative $144,124 and Slacks Creek costs $140,318 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,806 in favour of Slacks Creek. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Meadowbrook and Slacks Creek 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: 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.