Crestmead vs Marsden: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Crestmead and Marsden are both Logan City Council suburbs, sitting 25 km and 23.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $100 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 →Crestmead
Marsden
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Crestmead | Marsden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,699 | $1,699 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,149 | $2,149 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,006 | $5,856 | +$150 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,850 | $1,900 | -$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,800 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $11,704 | $11,604 | +$100 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,890 | $5,940 | -$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Crestmead | Marsden | 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 — Crestmead vs Marsden (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Crestmead and Marsden cost within $100 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,146, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $150 per year. Crestmead is 25 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, $5,890 and $5,940 a year, so the $100 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,699 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,149 a year.
- Driving commute favours Marsden by $150 a year, $5,856 against $6,006.
- Building insurance favours Crestmead 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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Crestmead cumulative | Marsden cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,704 | $11,604 | $100 |
| Year 3 | $36,176 | $35,867 | $309 |
| Year 5 | $62,138 | $61,607 | $531 |
| Year 10 | $134,173 | $133,027 | $1,146 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Crestmead or Marsden cheaper to live in?
Marsden is cheaper to run by car at $11,604 per year versus $11,704 for Crestmead, a difference of $100 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Crestmead and Marsden?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,699 in Crestmead (Logan City Council) and $1,699 in Marsden (Logan City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,149 in Crestmead and $2,149 in Marsden. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Crestmead and Marsden?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,006 from Crestmead and $5,856 from Marsden to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Crestmead and $192 from Marsden.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Crestmead and Marsden?
At 3% annual cost growth, Crestmead costs a cumulative $134,173 and Marsden costs $133,027 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,146 in favour of Marsden. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Crestmead and Marsden 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: Logan City Council and Logan 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.