Aspley vs Zillmere: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Aspley and Zillmere are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 11.5 km and 12.5 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $296 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 →Aspley
Zillmere
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Aspley | Zillmere | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,440 | $3,686 | -$246 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,850 | $1,900 | -$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,140 | $8,436 | -$296 |
| Total (public transport) | $4,892 | $4,942 | -$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Aspley | Zillmere | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
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 — Aspley vs Zillmere (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Aspley and Zillmere cost within $296 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,393, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $246 per year. Zillmere is 12.5 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $4,892 and $4,942 a year, so the $296 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $950 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Aspley by $246 a year, $3,440 against $3,686.
- Building insurance favours Aspley by $50 a year, $1,850 against $1,900.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance and the insurance band.
The catchment state school scores 8.7 in Aspley against 3.2 in Zillmere, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Aspley cumulative | Zillmere cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,140 | $8,436 | $296 |
| Year 3 | $25,160 | $26,075 | $915 |
| Year 5 | $43,216 | $44,788 | $1,572 |
| Year 10 | $93,316 | $96,709 | $3,393 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aspley or Zillmere cheaper to live in?
Aspley is cheaper to run by car at $8,140 per year versus $8,436 for Zillmere, a difference of $296 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Aspley and Zillmere?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Aspley (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Zillmere (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Aspley and $1,900 in Zillmere. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Aspley and Zillmere?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,440 from Aspley and $3,686 from Zillmere to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Aspley and $192 from Zillmere.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Aspley and Zillmere?
At 3% annual cost growth, Aspley costs a cumulative $93,316 and Zillmere costs $96,709 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,393 in favour of Aspley. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Aspley and Zillmere 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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.