True annual cost of living in Scarborough, QLD 4020
Living in a house in Scarborough costs about $12,173 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Scarborough sits 30.7 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Unit costs reach $13,508, with the $2,800 body corporate levy accounting for the entire difference between the two. At 30.7km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $6,201 more per year than public transport users.
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Scarborough's climate zone at 2025 rates. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Scarborough to the CBD?
Public transport saves Scarborough residents $6,201 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $6,393 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Scarborough?
Scarborough 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 Scarborough?
Running a unit in Scarborough costs approximately $13,508 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.