Carole Park vs Ellen Grove: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Carole Park (Ipswich City Council) and Ellen Grove (Brisbane City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (19.3 km and 18.1 km).
The two sit within $266 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 →Carole Park
Ellen Grove
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Carole Park | Ellen Grove | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,298 | $1,579 | -$281 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,948 | $4,733 | +$215 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $3,000 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,500 | -$500 |
| Total (driving) | $10,946 | $11,212 | -$266 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,190 | $6,671 | -$481 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Carole Park | Ellen Grove | 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 — Carole Park vs Ellen Grove (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Carole Park and Ellen Grove cost within $266 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,049, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $281 per year.
On public transport the gap is $481 per year, $6,190 from Carole Park versus $6,671 from Ellen Grove.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Carole Park cumulative | Ellen Grove cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,946 | $11,212 | $266 |
| Year 3 | $33,833 | $34,655 | $822 |
| Year 5 | $58,114 | $59,526 | $1,412 |
| Year 10 | $125,484 | $128,533 | $3,049 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carole Park or Ellen Grove cheaper to live in?
Carole Park is cheaper to run by car at $10,946 per year versus $11,212 for Ellen Grove, a difference of $266 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Carole Park and Ellen Grove?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,298 in Carole Park (Ipswich City Council) and $1,579 in Ellen Grove (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Carole Park and $1,900 in Ellen Grove. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Carole Park and Ellen Grove?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,948 from Carole Park and $4,733 from Ellen Grove to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Carole Park and $192 from Ellen Grove.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Carole Park and Ellen Grove?
At 3% annual cost growth, Carole Park costs a cumulative $125,484 and Ellen Grove costs $128,533 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,049 in favour of Carole Park. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Carole Park and Ellen Grove 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 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.