Muirlea vs Pine Mountain: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Muirlea and Pine Mountain are both Ipswich City Council suburbs, sitting 30.9 km and 31.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $230 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 →Muirlea
Pine Mountain
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Muirlea | Pine Mountain | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,298 | $1,298 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,409 | $6,439 | -$30 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $3,200 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,000 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $12,607 | $12,837 | -$230 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,390 | $6,590 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Muirlea | Pine Mountain | 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 — Muirlea vs Pine Mountain (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Muirlea and Pine Mountain cost within $230 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,637, 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, $6,390 from Muirlea versus $6,590 from Pine Mountain.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Muirlea cumulative | Pine Mountain cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,607 | $12,837 | $230 |
| Year 3 | $38,967 | $39,678 | $711 |
| Year 5 | $66,932 | $68,153 | $1,221 |
| Year 10 | $144,525 | $147,162 | $2,637 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Muirlea or Pine Mountain cheaper to live in?
Muirlea is cheaper to run by car at $12,607 per year versus $12,837 for Pine Mountain, a difference of $230 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Muirlea and Pine Mountain?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,298 in Muirlea (Ipswich City Council) and $1,298 in Pine Mountain (Ipswich City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Muirlea and $1,900 in Pine Mountain. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Muirlea and Pine Mountain?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,409 from Muirlea and $6,439 from Pine Mountain to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Muirlea and $192 from Pine Mountain.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Muirlea and Pine Mountain?
At 3% annual cost growth, Muirlea costs a cumulative $144,525 and Pine Mountain costs $147,162 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,637 in favour of Muirlea. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Muirlea and Pine Mountain 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: Ipswich City Council and Ipswich 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.