Bridgeman Downs vs Carseldine: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Bridgeman Downs and Carseldine are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 13.5 km and 13.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $70 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 →Bridgeman Downs
Carseldine
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Bridgeman Downs | Carseldine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,921 | $3,991 | -$70 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $3,000 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,500 | +$300 |
| Total (driving) | $9,771 | $9,841 | -$70 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,042 | $6,042 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Bridgeman Downs | Carseldine | 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 — Bridgeman Downs vs Carseldine (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bridgeman Downs and Carseldine cost within $70 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $802, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $70 per year. Carseldine is 13.8 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, $6,042 and $6,042 a year, so the $70 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 Bridgeman Downs by $70 a year, $3,921 against $3,991.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,000 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. What separates them is commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Bridgeman Downs cumulative | Carseldine cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,771 | $9,841 | $70 |
| Year 3 | $30,201 | $30,418 | $217 |
| Year 5 | $51,876 | $52,247 | $371 |
| Year 10 | $112,014 | $112,816 | $802 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bridgeman Downs or Carseldine cheaper to live in?
Bridgeman Downs is cheaper to run by car at $9,771 per year versus $9,841 for Carseldine, a difference of $70 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Bridgeman Downs and Carseldine?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Bridgeman Downs (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Carseldine (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Bridgeman Downs and $1,900 in Carseldine. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Bridgeman Downs and Carseldine?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,921 from Bridgeman Downs and $3,991 from Carseldine to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Bridgeman Downs and $192 from Carseldine.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Bridgeman Downs and Carseldine?
At 3% annual cost growth, Bridgeman Downs costs a cumulative $112,014 and Carseldine costs $112,816 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $802 in favour of Bridgeman Downs. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Bridgeman Downs and Carseldine 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.