Ashwell vs Rosewood: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Ashwell and Rosewood are both Ipswich City Council suburbs, sitting 49.3 km and 46.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $81 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 →Ashwell
Rosewood
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ashwell | Rosewood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,298 | $1,298 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,393 | $6,574 | -$181 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,000 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,700 | $1,600 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $12,691 | $12,772 | -$81 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,490 | $6,390 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Ashwell | Rosewood | 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 — Ashwell vs Rosewood (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Ashwell and Rosewood cost within $81 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $929, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $181 per year. Ashwell is 49.3 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,490 and $6,390 a year, so the $81 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Ashwell cumulative | Rosewood cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,691 | $12,772 | $81 |
| Year 3 | $39,227 | $39,477 | $250 |
| Year 5 | $67,378 | $67,808 | $430 |
| Year 10 | $145,488 | $146,417 | $929 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ashwell or Rosewood cheaper to live in?
Ashwell is cheaper to run by car at $12,691 per year versus $12,772 for Rosewood, a difference of $81 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Ashwell and Rosewood?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,298 in Ashwell (Ipswich City Council) and $1,298 in Rosewood (Ipswich City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Ashwell and $1,900 in Rosewood. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Ashwell and Rosewood?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,393 from Ashwell and $6,574 from Rosewood to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Ashwell and $192 from Rosewood.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Ashwell and Rosewood?
At 3% annual cost growth, Ashwell costs a cumulative $145,488 and Rosewood costs $146,417 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $929 in favour of Ashwell. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Ashwell and Rosewood 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.
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Sources: Ipswich 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.