Monarch Glen vs Silverbark Ridge: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Monarch Glen and Silverbark Ridge are both Logan City Council suburbs, sitting 39.7 km and 35.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $276 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 →Monarch Glen
Silverbark Ridge
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Monarch Glen | Silverbark Ridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,699 | $1,699 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,149 | $2,149 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,988 | $6,912 | +$76 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $3,000 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $1,800 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $14,036 | $13,760 | +$276 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,240 | $7,040 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Monarch Glen | Silverbark Ridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
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 — Monarch Glen vs Silverbark Ridge (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Monarch Glen and Silverbark Ridge cost within $276 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,164, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $200 per year.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $7,240 from Monarch Glen versus $7,040 from Silverbark Ridge.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,699 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,149 a year.
- Driving commute favours Silverbark Ridge by $76 a year, $6,912 against $6,988.
- Building insurance favours Silverbark Ridge by $200 a year, $3,000 against $3,200.
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 | Monarch Glen cumulative | Silverbark Ridge cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $14,036 | $13,760 | $276 |
| Year 3 | $43,384 | $42,531 | $853 |
| Year 5 | $74,519 | $73,054 | $1,465 |
| Year 10 | $160,907 | $157,743 | $3,164 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monarch Glen or Silverbark Ridge cheaper to live in?
Silverbark Ridge is cheaper to run by car at $13,760 per year versus $14,036 for Monarch Glen, a difference of $276 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Monarch Glen and Silverbark Ridge?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,699 in Monarch Glen (Logan City Council) and $1,699 in Silverbark Ridge (Logan City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,149 in Monarch Glen and $2,149 in Silverbark Ridge. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Monarch Glen and Silverbark Ridge?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,988 from Monarch Glen and $6,912 from Silverbark Ridge to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Monarch Glen and $192 from Silverbark Ridge.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Monarch Glen and Silverbark Ridge?
At 3% annual cost growth, Monarch Glen costs a cumulative $160,907 and Silverbark Ridge costs $157,743 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,164 in favour of Silverbark Ridge. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Monarch Glen and Silverbark Ridge 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.