Derrymore vs Iredale: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Derrymore and Iredale are both Lockyer Valley Regional Council suburbs, sitting 11.3 km and 17 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Derrymore runs $1,745 a year cheaper than Iredale, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $20,004.
Over 10 years, Derrymore costs about $20,000 less to run than Iredale — the same as paying $20,000 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Iredale
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Derrymore | Iredale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,395 | $1,395 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,279 | $4,524 | -$1,245 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,400 | -$500 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $1,600 | +$400 |
| Total (driving) | $9,474 | $11,219 | -$1,745 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,387 | $6,887 | -$500 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Derrymore | Iredale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,115 | $1,976 | +$139 |
| Unit | $1,696 | $1,591 | +$105 |
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 — Derrymore vs Iredale (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Derrymore costs $1,745 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $20,004 in favour of Derrymore.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $1,245 per year. Iredale is 17 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $500 per year, $6,387 from Derrymore versus $6,887 from Iredale.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Derrymore cumulative | Iredale cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,474 | $11,219 | $1,745 |
| Year 3 | $29,283 | $34,677 | $5,394 |
| Year 5 | $50,299 | $59,563 | $9,264 |
| Year 10 | $108,609 | $128,613 | $20,004 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Derrymore or Iredale cheaper to live in?
Derrymore is cheaper to run by car at $9,474 per year versus $11,219 for Iredale, a difference of $1,745 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Derrymore and Iredale?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,395 in Derrymore (Lockyer Valley Regional Council) and $1,395 in Iredale (Lockyer Valley Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Derrymore and $1,900 in Iredale. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Derrymore and Iredale?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,279 from Derrymore and $4,524 from Iredale to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Derrymore and $192 from Iredale.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Derrymore and Iredale?
At 3% annual cost growth, Derrymore costs a cumulative $108,609 and Iredale costs $128,613 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $20,004 in favour of Derrymore. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Derrymore and Iredale 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.
Related comparisons
Sources: Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Lockyer Valley Regional 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.