Mansfield vs Wishart: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Mansfield and Wishart are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 10.7 km and 12.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $249 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 →Mansfield
Wishart
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Mansfield | Wishart | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,239 | $3,588 | -$349 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $2,700 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,889 | $9,138 | -$249 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,842 | $5,742 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Mansfield | Wishart | 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 — Mansfield vs Wishart (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mansfield and Wishart cost within $249 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,855, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $349 per year. Wishart is 12.1 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,842 and $5,742 a year, so the $249 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $950 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Mansfield by $349 a year, $3,239 against $3,588.
- Building insurance favours Wishart by $100 a year, $2,700 against $2,800.
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 | Mansfield cumulative | Wishart cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,889 | $9,138 | $249 |
| Year 3 | $27,475 | $28,245 | $770 |
| Year 5 | $47,193 | $48,515 | $1,322 |
| Year 10 | $101,902 | $104,757 | $2,855 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mansfield or Wishart cheaper to live in?
Mansfield is cheaper to run by car at $8,889 per year versus $9,138 for Wishart, a difference of $249 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Mansfield and Wishart?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Mansfield (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Wishart (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Mansfield and $1,900 in Wishart. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Mansfield and Wishart?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,239 from Mansfield and $3,588 from Wishart to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Mansfield and $192 from Wishart.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Mansfield and Wishart?
At 3% annual cost growth, Mansfield costs a cumulative $101,902 and Wishart costs $104,757 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,855 in favour of Mansfield. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Mansfield and Wishart 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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.