Kippa-Ring vs Rothwell: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Kippa-Ring and Rothwell are both Moreton Bay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 27.9 km and 28.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $102 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 →Kippa-Ring
Rothwell
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kippa-Ring | Rothwell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,636 | $1,636 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,144 | $2,144 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,140 | $6,238 | -$98 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $2,900 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $2,800 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $13,020 | $12,918 | +$102 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,072 | $6,872 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Kippa-Ring | Rothwell | 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 — Kippa-Ring vs Rothwell (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kippa-Ring and Rothwell cost within $102 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,170, 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, $7,072 from Kippa-Ring versus $6,872 from Rothwell.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kippa-Ring cumulative | Rothwell cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,020 | $12,918 | $102 |
| Year 3 | $40,244 | $39,928 | $316 |
| Year 5 | $69,125 | $68,583 | $542 |
| Year 10 | $149,260 | $148,090 | $1,170 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kippa-Ring or Rothwell cheaper to live in?
Rothwell is cheaper to run by car at $12,918 per year versus $13,020 for Kippa-Ring, a difference of $102 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kippa-Ring and Rothwell?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,636 in Kippa-Ring (Moreton Bay Regional Council) and $1,636 in Rothwell (Moreton Bay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,144 in Kippa-Ring and $2,144 in Rothwell. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Kippa-Ring and Rothwell?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,140 from Kippa-Ring and $6,238 from Rothwell to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Kippa-Ring and $192 from Rothwell.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kippa-Ring and Rothwell?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kippa-Ring costs a cumulative $149,260 and Rothwell costs $148,090 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,170 in favour of Rothwell. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kippa-Ring and Rothwell 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: Moreton Bay Regional Council and Moreton Bay 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.