Monarch Glen vs Silverbark Ridge: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Monarch Glen and Silverbark Ridge are both Logan City Council suburbs, sitting 20.8 km and 35.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Monarch Glen runs $1,283 a year cheaper than Silverbark Ridge, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $14,708.
Over 10 years, Monarch Glen costs about $14,700 less to run than Silverbark Ridge — the same as paying $14,700 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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 | $1,816 | $1,816 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,149 | $2,149 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,201 | $6,684 | -$1,483 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $3,000 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $1,800 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $12,366 | $13,649 | -$1,283 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,357 | $7,157 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Monarch Glen | Silverbark Ridge | 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 — Monarch Glen vs Silverbark Ridge (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Monarch Glen costs $1,283 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $14,708 in favour of Monarch Glen.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $1,483 per year. Silverbark Ridge is 35.8 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $7,357 from Monarch Glen versus $7,157 from Silverbark Ridge.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Monarch Glen cumulative | Silverbark Ridge cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,366 | $13,649 | $1,283 |
| Year 3 | $38,222 | $42,188 | $3,966 |
| Year 5 | $65,653 | $72,464 | $6,811 |
| Year 10 | $141,762 | $156,470 | $14,708 |
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?
Monarch Glen is cheaper to run by car at $12,366 per year versus $13,649 for Silverbark Ridge, a difference of $1,283 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/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 $1,816 in Monarch Glen (Logan City Council) and $1,816 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 $5,201 from Monarch Glen and $6,684 from Silverbark Ridge to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/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 $141,762 and Silverbark Ridge costs $156,470 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $14,708 in favour of Monarch Glen. 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.
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.