Ipswich vs Logan Central: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Ipswich (Ipswich City Council) and Logan Central (Logan City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (31.2 km and 21 km).
Ipswich
Logan Central
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ipswich | Logan Central | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,713 | $1,616 | +$97 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,834 | -$10 |
| Commute (driving) | $11,880 | $11,880 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $5,200 | $2,000 | +$3,200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,800 | -$600 |
| Total (driving) | $20,617 | $17,330 | +$3,287 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,929 | $5,642 | +$3,287 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Ipswich vs Logan Central (2025-26)
What the numbers show
Logan Central costs $3,287 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $37,682 in favour of Logan Central.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $3,200 per year. Ipswich carries high flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap shifts to $3,287 per year. Both suburbs pay a flat PT fare, so the difference in total PT cost reflects council rates and insurance rather than commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Ipswich cumulative | Logan Central cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $20,617 | $17,330 | $3,287 |
| Year 3 | $63,725 | $53,565 | $10,160 |
| Year 5 | $109,458 | $92,007 | $17,451 |
| Year 10 | $236,351 | $198,669 | $37,682 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ipswich or Logan Central cheaper to live in?
Logan Central is cheaper to run by car at $17,330 per year versus $20,617 for Ipswich — a difference of $3,287 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025-26 data.
What are council rates in Ipswich and Logan Central?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,713 in Ipswich (Ipswich City Council 2025-26) and $1,616 in Logan Central (Logan City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage adds $1,824 in Ipswich and $1,834 in Logan Central.
How does the commute cost compare between Ipswich and Logan Central?
Annual driving commute costs are $11,880 from Ipswich and $11,880 from Logan Central to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km, 220 working days). Public transport costs $192 from Ipswich and $192 from Logan Central.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Ipswich and Logan Central?
At 3% annual cost growth, Ipswich costs a cumulative $236,351 and Logan Central costs $198,669 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $37,682 in favour of Logan Central. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Compare Ipswich and Logan Central in the tool
The SuburbCost comparison tool shows the full annual cost breakdown for both suburbs side by side. Toggle between driving and public transport to see which suburb comes out ahead for your commuting pattern.
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Sources: Ipswich City Council and Logan City Council rate schedules 2025-26, Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater 2025-26, ATO 88c/km, SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2025.