Ashby Island vs Chatsworth, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Ashby Island and Chatsworth are both Clarence Valley rates (OLG suburbs, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $0 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.
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Chatsworth
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ashby Island | Chatsworth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,439 | $1,439 | - |
| Water & sewerage Estimated | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $18,200 | $18,200 | - |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $18,200 | $18,200 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,350 | $2,350 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $23,289 | $23,289 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $23,289 | $23,289 | - |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Ashby Island | Chatsworth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,774 | $2,774 | - |
| Unit | $2,329 | $2,329 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown, Ashby Island vs Chatsworth (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Ashby Island and Chatsworth cost within $0 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $0, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $0 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $23,289 and $23,289 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,439 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute is identical at $18,200 a year.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,350 a year.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. On these four costs they are identical.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Ashby Island cumulative | Chatsworth cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $23,289 | $23,289 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $71,984 | $71,984 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $123,644 | $123,644 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $266,982 | $266,982 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ashby Island or Chatsworth cheaper to live in?
Ashby Island is cheaper to run by car at $23,289 per year versus $23,289 for Chatsworth, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Ashby Island and Chatsworth?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,439 in Ashby Island (Clarence Valley rates (OLG) and $1,439 in Chatsworth (Clarence Valley rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Ashby Island and $1,300 in Chatsworth. Both figures are the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by each council's IPART rate peg.
How does the commute cost compare between Ashby Island and Chatsworth?
Ashby Island carries a flat regional driving allowance of $18,200, about 20,000 km of household driving a year, because it is more than 100 km from Sydney CBD. Chatsworth carries a flat regional driving allowance of $18,200, about 20,000 km of household driving a year, because it is more than 100 km from Sydney CBD. No daily public transport commute is assumed from either suburb, so both are costed by car.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Ashby Island and Chatsworth?
At 3% annual cost growth, Ashby Island costs a cumulative $266,982 and Chatsworth costs $266,982 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Ashby Island. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Ashby Island and Chatsworth suits you better?
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.
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Sources: Clarence Valley rates (OLG and Clarence Valley rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.