Alderley vs Newmarket: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Alderley and Newmarket are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 5.5 km and 4.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Newmarket runs $1,436 a year cheaper than Alderley, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $16,462.
Over 10 years, Newmarket costs about $16,500 less to run than Alderley — the same as paying $16,500 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Newmarket
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Alderley | Newmarket | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,731 | $1,345 | +$386 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $1,850 | +$1,050 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,000 | $3,200 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $8,110 | $6,674 | +$1,436 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,571 | $5,521 | +$1,050 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Alderley | Newmarket | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $1,976 | $1,976 | - |
| Unit | $1,591 | $1,591 | - |
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 — Alderley vs Newmarket (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Newmarket costs $1,436 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $16,462 in favour of Newmarket.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $1,050 per year. Alderley carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap is $1,050 per year, $6,571 from Alderley versus $5,521 from Newmarket.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Alderley cumulative | Newmarket cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,110 | $6,674 | $1,436 |
| Year 3 | $25,067 | $20,629 | $4,438 |
| Year 5 | $43,057 | $35,433 | $7,624 |
| Year 10 | $92,972 | $76,510 | $16,462 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alderley or Newmarket cheaper to live in?
Newmarket is cheaper to run by car at $6,674 per year versus $8,110 for Alderley, a difference of $1,436 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Alderley and Newmarket?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Alderley (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Newmarket (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Alderley and $1,900 in Newmarket. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Alderley and Newmarket?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,731 from Alderley and $1,345 from Newmarket to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Alderley and $192 from Newmarket.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Alderley and Newmarket?
At 3% annual cost growth, Alderley costs a cumulative $92,972 and Newmarket costs $76,510 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $16,462 in favour of Newmarket. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Alderley and Newmarket 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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City 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.