Blackbutt vs Blackbutt South: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Blackbutt and Blackbutt South are both Ipswich City Council suburbs, sitting 111.9 km and 112.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, 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.
Blackbutt
Blackbutt South
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Blackbutt | Blackbutt South | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,298 | $1,298 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $1,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $22,698 | $22,698 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $5,290 | $5,290 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Blackbutt | Blackbutt South | 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 — Blackbutt vs Blackbutt South (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Blackbutt and Blackbutt South 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, $5,290 and $5,290 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Blackbutt cumulative | Blackbutt South cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $22,698 | $22,698 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $70,157 | $70,157 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $120,507 | $120,507 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $260,207 | $260,207 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blackbutt or Blackbutt South cheaper to live in?
Blackbutt is cheaper to run by car at $22,698 per year versus $22,698 for Blackbutt South, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Blackbutt and Blackbutt South?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,298 in Blackbutt (Ipswich City Council) and $1,298 in Blackbutt South (Ipswich City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Blackbutt and $1,900 in Blackbutt South. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Blackbutt and Blackbutt South?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Blackbutt and $17,600 from Blackbutt South to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Blackbutt and $192 from Blackbutt South.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Blackbutt and Blackbutt South?
At 3% annual cost growth, Blackbutt costs a cumulative $260,207 and Blackbutt South costs $260,207 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Blackbutt. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Blackbutt and Blackbutt South 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.