North Lakes vs Nundah: true annual running costs compared (2026)
North Lakes (Moreton Bay Regional Council) and Nundah (Brisbane City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (27.6 km and 8.3 km).
North Lakes
Nundah
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | North Lakes | Nundah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,577 | $1,519 | +$58 |
| Water & sewerage | $2,074 | $1,824 | +$250 |
| Commute (driving) | $11,880 | $701 | +$11,179 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $1,800 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $3,000 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $17,531 | $5,844 | +$11,687 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,843 | $5,335 | +$508 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — North Lakes vs Nundah (2025-26)
What the numbers show
Nundah costs $11,687 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $133,978 in favour of Nundah.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $11,179 per year. North Lakes is 27.6 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap shifts to $508 per year. Both suburbs pay a flat PT fare, so the difference in total PT cost reflects council rates and insurance rather than commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | North Lakes cumulative | Nundah cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $17,531 | $5,844 | $11,687 |
| Year 3 | $54,187 | $18,063 | $36,124 |
| Year 5 | $93,074 | $31,027 | $62,047 |
| Year 10 | $200,973 | $66,995 | $133,978 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is North Lakes or Nundah cheaper to live in?
Nundah is cheaper to run by car at $5,844 per year versus $17,531 for North Lakes — a difference of $11,687 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025-26 data.
What are council rates in North Lakes and Nundah?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,577 in North Lakes (Moreton Bay Regional Council 2025-26) and $1,519 in Nundah (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage adds $2,074 in North Lakes and $1,824 in Nundah.
How does the commute cost compare between North Lakes and Nundah?
Annual driving commute costs are $11,880 from North Lakes and $701 from Nundah to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km, 220 working days). Public transport costs $192 from North Lakes and $192 from Nundah.
What is the 10-year cost difference between North Lakes and Nundah?
At 3% annual cost growth, North Lakes costs a cumulative $200,973 and Nundah costs $66,995 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $133,978 in favour of Nundah. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Compare North Lakes and Nundah in the tool
The SuburbCost comparison tool shows the full annual cost breakdown for both suburbs side by side. Toggle between driving and public transport to see which suburb comes out ahead for your commuting pattern.
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Sources: Moreton Bay Regional Council and Brisbane City Council rate schedules 2025-26, Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater 2025-26, ATO 88c/km, SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2025.