Pinelands vs Upper Pinelands: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Pinelands and Upper Pinelands are both Toowoomba Regional Council suburbs, sitting 36.7 km and 37.5 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $120 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 →Pinelands
Upper Pinelands
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Pinelands | Upper Pinelands | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,444 | $1,444 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,188 | $2,188 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,712 | $6,732 | -$20 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $2,100 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $1,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,344 | $12,464 | -$120 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,824 | $5,924 | -$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Pinelands | Upper Pinelands | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,115 | $2,115 | - |
| Unit | $1,696 | $1,696 | - |
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 — Pinelands vs Upper Pinelands (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Pinelands and Upper Pinelands cost within $120 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,376, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $100 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,824 and $5,924 a year, so the $120 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Pinelands cumulative | Upper Pinelands cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,344 | $12,464 | $120 |
| Year 3 | $38,154 | $38,525 | $371 |
| Year 5 | $65,536 | $66,173 | $637 |
| Year 10 | $141,510 | $142,886 | $1,376 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pinelands or Upper Pinelands cheaper to live in?
Pinelands is cheaper to run by car at $12,344 per year versus $12,464 for Upper Pinelands, a difference of $120 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Pinelands and Upper Pinelands?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,444 in Pinelands (Toowoomba Regional Council) and $1,444 in Upper Pinelands (Toowoomba Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,188 in Pinelands and $2,188 in Upper Pinelands. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Pinelands and Upper Pinelands?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,712 from Pinelands and $6,732 from Upper Pinelands to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Pinelands and $192 from Upper Pinelands.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Pinelands and Upper Pinelands?
At 3% annual cost growth, Pinelands costs a cumulative $141,510 and Upper Pinelands costs $142,886 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,376 in favour of Pinelands. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Pinelands and Upper Pinelands 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: Toowoomba Regional Council and Toowoomba Regional 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.