Ebbw Vale vs New Chum: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Ebbw Vale and New Chum are both Ipswich City Council suburbs, sitting 25 km and 25.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $213 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 →Ebbw Vale
New Chum
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ebbw Vale | New Chum | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,298 | $1,298 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,808 | $5,821 | -$13 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $3,000 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,806 | $12,019 | -$213 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,190 | $6,390 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Ebbw Vale | New Chum | 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 — Ebbw Vale vs New Chum (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Ebbw Vale and New Chum cost within $213 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,441, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $200 per year.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $6,190 from Ebbw Vale versus $6,390 from New Chum.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Ebbw Vale cumulative | New Chum cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,806 | $12,019 | $213 |
| Year 3 | $36,491 | $37,150 | $659 |
| Year 5 | $62,680 | $63,811 | $1,131 |
| Year 10 | $135,343 | $137,784 | $2,441 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ebbw Vale or New Chum cheaper to live in?
Ebbw Vale is cheaper to run by car at $11,806 per year versus $12,019 for New Chum, a difference of $213 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Ebbw Vale and New Chum?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,298 in Ebbw Vale (Ipswich City Council) and $1,298 in New Chum (Ipswich City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Ebbw Vale and $1,900 in New Chum. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Ebbw Vale and New Chum?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,808 from Ebbw Vale and $5,821 from New Chum to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Ebbw Vale and $192 from New Chum.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Ebbw Vale and New Chum?
At 3% annual cost growth, Ebbw Vale costs a cumulative $135,343 and New Chum costs $137,784 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,441 in favour of Ebbw Vale. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Ebbw Vale and New Chum 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: Ipswich City Council and Ipswich 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.