Ellen Grove vs Gailes: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Ellen Grove (Brisbane City Council) and Gailes (Ipswich City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (18.1 km and 19.2 km).
The two sit within $17 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 →Ellen Grove
Gailes
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ellen Grove | Gailes | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,298 | +$281 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,733 | $4,931 | -$198 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $3,100 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,500 | $2,000 | +$500 |
| Total (driving) | $11,212 | $11,229 | -$17 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,671 | $6,490 | +$181 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Ellen Grove | Gailes | 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 — Ellen Grove vs Gailes (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Ellen Grove and Gailes cost within $17 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $195, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $281 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,671 and $6,490 a year, so the $17 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Ellen Grove cumulative | Gailes cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,212 | $11,229 | $17 |
| Year 3 | $34,655 | $34,708 | $53 |
| Year 5 | $59,526 | $59,616 | $90 |
| Year 10 | $128,533 | $128,728 | $195 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ellen Grove or Gailes cheaper to live in?
Ellen Grove is cheaper to run by car at $11,212 per year versus $11,229 for Gailes, a difference of $17 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Ellen Grove and Gailes?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Ellen Grove (Brisbane City Council) and $1,298 in Gailes (Ipswich City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Ellen Grove and $1,900 in Gailes. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Ellen Grove and Gailes?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,733 from Ellen Grove and $4,931 from Gailes to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Ellen Grove and $192 from Gailes.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Ellen Grove and Gailes?
At 3% annual cost growth, Ellen Grove costs a cumulative $128,533 and Gailes costs $128,728 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $195 in favour of Ellen Grove. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Ellen Grove and Gailes 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 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.