Burbank vs Rochedale: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Burbank and Rochedale are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 16.9 km and 14.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Rochedale runs $578 a year cheaper than Burbank, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $6,627.
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 →Burbank
Rochedale
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Burbank | Rochedale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,504 | $4,076 | +$428 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,800 | +$150 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $2,300 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $10,933 | $10,355 | +$578 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,621 | $6,471 | +$150 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Burbank | Rochedale | 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 — Burbank vs Rochedale (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Rochedale costs $578 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $6,627 in favour of Rochedale.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $428 per year. Burbank is 16.9 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, $6,621 and $6,471 a year, so the $578 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Burbank cumulative | Rochedale cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,933 | $10,355 | $578 |
| Year 3 | $33,793 | $32,006 | $1,787 |
| Year 5 | $58,045 | $54,976 | $3,069 |
| Year 10 | $125,335 | $118,708 | $6,627 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Burbank or Rochedale cheaper to live in?
Rochedale is cheaper to run by car at $10,355 per year versus $10,933 for Burbank, a difference of $578 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Burbank and Rochedale?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Burbank (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Rochedale (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Burbank and $1,900 in Rochedale. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Burbank and Rochedale?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,504 from Burbank and $4,076 from Rochedale to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Burbank and $192 from Rochedale.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Burbank and Rochedale?
At 3% annual cost growth, Burbank costs a cumulative $125,335 and Rochedale costs $118,708 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $6,627 in favour of Rochedale. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Burbank and Rochedale 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.