Haigslea vs Mount Marrow: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Haigslea and Mount Marrow are both Ipswich City Council suburbs, sitting 40.1 km and 42.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $20 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 →Haigslea
Mount Marrow
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Haigslea | Mount Marrow | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,298 | $1,298 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,758 | $6,738 | +$20 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $3,200 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,200 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $13,156 | $13,136 | +$20 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,590 | $6,590 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Haigslea | Mount Marrow | 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 — Haigslea vs Mount Marrow (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Haigslea and Mount Marrow cost within $20 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $229, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $20 per year. Mount Marrow is 42.2 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,590 and $6,590 a year, so the $20 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Haigslea cumulative | Mount Marrow cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,156 | $13,136 | $20 |
| Year 3 | $40,664 | $40,602 | $62 |
| Year 5 | $69,847 | $69,741 | $106 |
| Year 10 | $150,819 | $150,590 | $229 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Haigslea or Mount Marrow cheaper to live in?
Mount Marrow is cheaper to run by car at $13,136 per year versus $13,156 for Haigslea, a difference of $20 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Haigslea and Mount Marrow?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,298 in Haigslea (Ipswich City Council) and $1,298 in Mount Marrow (Ipswich City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Haigslea and $1,900 in Mount Marrow. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Haigslea and Mount Marrow?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,758 from Haigslea and $6,738 from Mount Marrow to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Haigslea and $192 from Mount Marrow.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Haigslea and Mount Marrow?
At 3% annual cost growth, Haigslea costs a cumulative $150,819 and Mount Marrow costs $150,590 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $229 in favour of Mount Marrow. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Haigslea and Mount Marrow 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.