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Map of Herston
2.4 km from CBD
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True annual cost of living in Herston, QLD 4006

Living in a house in Herston costs about $6,016 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Herston sits 2.4 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Unit costs reach $9,036, with the $4,800 body corporate levy accounting for the entire difference between the two. Transport mode has the biggest effect on total cost in a suburb this close to the city.

Last updated July 2026 · Brisbane City Council rates 2026-27, ATO 88c/km, AER electricity benchmarks

3 key insights
Cheaper to run than 96% of Brisbane City Council suburbs, about 34% below the regional average.
Water & sewerage is the biggest expense at $1,900, roughly 32% of the annual total.
Flood risk is rated high here, which lifts home insurance. Full risk detail is in the free report.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →
Lower cost
House annual cost
$6,016
Driving · per year
$501/month
Unit annual cost
$9,036
Incl. body corporate
$753/month
House vs unit difference
+$3,020
Unit costs more per year
Annual cost breakdown
Council rates
Brisbane City Council 2026-27 · minimum rate
$1,579
Water & sewerage
Queensland Urban Utilities 2026-27
$1,900
Driving commute
ATO 88c/km · 2.4km from CBD · 192 days
$787
Home insurance
Estimated · flood High · fire Low
$1,750
Total annual running cost
$6,016
($501/month)
↓ 34% below Brisbane City Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●●○ 7.5/10 Good
Cheaper to run than 96% of Brisbane City Council suburbs. Score blends running cost (50%), schools (20%) and flood & fire risk (30%).
Estimated electricity cost typical 2-person household
House
$1,976/yr
5,126 kWh
Unit
$1,591/yr
3,845 kWh
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Herston's climate zone at 2025 rates. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Compare Herston with another suburb
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Herston to the CBD?
Public transport saves Herston residents $595 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $787 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Herston?
Herston falls under Brisbane City Council. The minimum residential general rate for 2026-27 is $1,579 per year for an owner-occupied house. Properties on higher land value pay more. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,039 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Herston?
Running a unit in Herston costs approximately $9,036 per year by car or $8,441 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,039, water and sewerage $1,900, estimated body corporate levy of $4,800, and contents insurance of $510. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

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Data sources: Council rates: Brisbane City Council 2026-27. Water: Queensland Urban Utilities 2026-27. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2025–26 (88c/km). Insurance: AI-estimated, disclosed as estimate. Schools: ACARA ICSEA 2025. Risk: Queensland Globe, QFES. Data updated 2026-07.
Cost estimates are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute financial, insurance, or credit advice.