Limestone Ridges vs Washpool: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Limestone Ridges and Washpool are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 50.1 km and 48.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Limestone Ridges runs $339 a year cheaper than Washpool, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,886.
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 →Limestone Ridges
Washpool
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Limestone Ridges | Washpool | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,328 | $6,467 | -$139 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $3,200 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $1,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,604 | $12,943 | -$339 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,468 | $6,668 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Limestone Ridges | Washpool | 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 — Limestone Ridges vs Washpool (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Limestone Ridges costs $339 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,886 in favour of Limestone Ridges.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $200 per year.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $6,468 from Limestone Ridges versus $6,668 from Washpool.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Limestone Ridges cumulative | Washpool cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,604 | $12,943 | $339 |
| Year 3 | $38,958 | $40,006 | $1,048 |
| Year 5 | $66,916 | $68,716 | $1,800 |
| Year 10 | $144,491 | $148,377 | $3,886 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Limestone Ridges or Washpool cheaper to live in?
Limestone Ridges is cheaper to run by car at $12,604 per year versus $12,943 for Washpool, a difference of $339 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Limestone Ridges and Washpool?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Limestone Ridges (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Washpool (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Limestone Ridges and $1,900 in Washpool. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Limestone Ridges and Washpool?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,328 from Limestone Ridges and $6,467 from Washpool to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Limestone Ridges and $192 from Washpool.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Limestone Ridges and Washpool?
At 3% annual cost growth, Limestone Ridges costs a cumulative $144,491 and Washpool costs $148,377 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,886 in favour of Limestone Ridges. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Limestone Ridges and Washpool 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: Scenic Rim Regional Council and Scenic Rim 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.