Anstead vs Barellan Point: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Anstead (Brisbane City Council) and Barellan Point (Ipswich City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (17.8 km and 21.2 km).
The two sit within $207 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 →Anstead
Barellan Point
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Anstead | Barellan Point | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,298 | +$281 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,677 | $5,265 | -$588 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $3,100 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,356 | $11,563 | -$207 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,871 | $6,490 | +$381 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Anstead | Barellan Point | 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 — Anstead vs Barellan Point (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Anstead and Barellan Point cost within $207 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,373, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $588 per year. Barellan Point is 21.2 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $381 per year, $6,871 from Anstead versus $6,490 from Barellan Point.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Anstead cumulative | Barellan Point cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,356 | $11,563 | $207 |
| Year 3 | $35,100 | $35,740 | $640 |
| Year 5 | $60,291 | $61,390 | $1,099 |
| Year 10 | $130,184 | $132,557 | $2,373 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anstead or Barellan Point cheaper to live in?
Anstead is cheaper to run by car at $11,356 per year versus $11,563 for Barellan Point, a difference of $207 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Anstead and Barellan Point?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Anstead (Brisbane City Council) and $1,298 in Barellan Point (Ipswich City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Anstead and $1,900 in Barellan Point. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Anstead and Barellan Point?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,677 from Anstead and $5,265 from Barellan Point to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Anstead and $192 from Barellan Point.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Anstead and Barellan Point?
At 3% annual cost growth, Anstead costs a cumulative $130,184 and Barellan Point costs $132,557 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,373 in favour of Anstead. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Anstead and Barellan Point 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 Ipswich 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.