Limestone Ridges vs Washpool, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Limestone Ridges and Washpool are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 31.3 km and 27.8 km from Beaudesert CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $220 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, Washpool costs about $2,500 less to run than Limestone Ridges. That's about $5 a week.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict → Personalise this comparison with your own commute, home type and loan →Limestone Ridges
Washpool
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Limestone Ridges | Washpool | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $6,659 | $6,339 | +$320 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $6,659 | $6,339 | +$320 |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,100 | $2,200 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,600 | $1,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,035 | $11,815 | +$220 |
| Total (public transport) | $12,035 | $11,815 | +$220 |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Limestone Ridges | Washpool | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; 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 and Washpool cost within $220 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,522, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $320 per year. Limestone Ridges is 31.3 km from Beaudesert CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $220 per year, $12,035 from Limestone Ridges versus $11,815 from Washpool.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,376 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Washpool by $320 a year, $6,339 against $6,659.
- Building insurance favours Limestone Ridges by $100 a year, $2,100 against $2,200.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Limestone Ridges cumulative | Washpool cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,035 | $11,815 | $220 |
| Year 3 | $37,199 | $36,519 | $680 |
| Year 5 | $63,895 | $62,727 | $1,168 |
| Year 10 | $137,968 | $135,446 | $2,522 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Limestone Ridges or Washpool cheaper to live in?
Washpool is cheaper to run by car at $11,815 per year versus $12,035 for Limestone Ridges, a difference of $220 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/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 $6,659 from Limestone Ridges and $6,339 from Washpool to Beaudesert CBD (ATO 91c/km). No daily public transport commute is assumed from either suburb, so both are costed by car.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Limestone Ridges and Washpool?
At 3% annual cost growth, Limestone Ridges costs a cumulative $137,968 and Washpool costs $135,446 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,522 in favour of Washpool. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Limestone Ridges and Washpool suits you better?
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: 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.