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27.6 km from CBD
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True annual cost of living in North Lakes, QLD 4509

Living in a house in North Lakes costs about $11,889 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. North Lakes sits 27.6 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Unit costs reach $13,224, with the $2,800 body corporate levy accounting for the entire difference between the two. At 27.6km from the CBD, transport mode shifts the annual total by $5,917. The gap widens as commute costs rise.

Last updated July 2026 · Moreton Bay Regional Council rates 2026-27, ATO 88c/km, AER electricity benchmarks

3 key insights
Cheaper to run than 76% of Moreton Bay Regional Council suburbs, about 5% below the regional average.
The commute is the biggest expense at $6,109, roughly 51% of the annual total.
Switching from driving to public transport saves $5,917 a year, a significant saving at this distance.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →
Lower cost
House annual cost
$11,889
Driving · per year
$991/month
Unit annual cost
$13,224
Incl. body corporate
$1,102/month
House vs unit difference
+$1,335
Unit costs more per year
Annual cost breakdown
Council rates
Moreton Bay Regional Council 2026-27 · minimum rate
$1,636
Water & sewerage
Unitywater (Moreton Bay) 2026-27
$2,144
Driving commute
ATO 88c/km · 27.6km from CBD · 192 days
$6,109
Home insurance
Estimated · flood Low · fire Medium
$2,000
Total annual running cost
$11,889
($991/month)
↓ 5% below Moreton Bay Regional Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●○○ 6.9/10 Good
Cheaper to run than 76% of Moreton Bay Regional 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 North Lakes's climate zone at 2025 rates. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Compare North Lakes with another suburb
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from North Lakes to the CBD?
Public transport saves North Lakes residents $5,917 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $6,109 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in North Lakes?
North Lakes falls under Moreton Bay Regional Council. The minimum residential general rate for 2026-27 is $1,636 per year for an owner-occupied house. Properties on higher land value pay more. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,651 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in North Lakes?
Running a unit in North Lakes costs approximately $13,224 per year by car or $7,307 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,651, water and sewerage $2,144, estimated body corporate levy of $2,800, and contents insurance of $520. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

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Data sources: Council rates: Moreton Bay Regional Council 2026-27. Water: Unitywater (Moreton Bay) 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.