Grantham vs Ringwood: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Grantham and Ringwood are both Lockyer Valley Regional Council suburbs, sitting 9 km and 6.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Ringwood runs $4,295 a year cheaper than Grantham, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $49,238.
Over 10 years, Ringwood costs about $49,200 less to run than Grantham — the same as paying $49,200 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Ringwood
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Grantham | Ringwood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,395 | $1,395 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,699 | $1,904 | +$795 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,500 | $3,000 | +$3,500 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,500 | -$100 |
| Total (driving) | $12,494 | $8,199 | +$4,295 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,987 | $6,487 | +$3,500 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Grantham | Ringwood | 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 — Grantham vs Ringwood (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Ringwood costs $4,295 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $49,238 in favour of Ringwood.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $3,500 per year. Grantham carries high flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap is $3,500 per year, $9,987 from Grantham versus $6,487 from Ringwood.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Grantham cumulative | Ringwood cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,494 | $8,199 | $4,295 |
| Year 3 | $38,618 | $25,342 | $13,276 |
| Year 5 | $66,332 | $43,530 | $22,802 |
| Year 10 | $143,230 | $93,992 | $49,238 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Grantham or Ringwood cheaper to live in?
Ringwood is cheaper to run by car at $8,199 per year versus $12,494 for Grantham, a difference of $4,295 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Grantham and Ringwood?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,395 in Grantham (Lockyer Valley Regional Council) and $1,395 in Ringwood (Lockyer Valley Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Grantham and $1,900 in Ringwood. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Grantham and Ringwood?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,699 from Grantham and $1,904 from Ringwood to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Grantham and $192 from Ringwood.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Grantham and Ringwood?
At 3% annual cost growth, Grantham costs a cumulative $143,230 and Ringwood costs $93,992 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $49,238 in favour of Ringwood. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Grantham and Ringwood 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.