Marsden vs Waterford West
Annual running cost comparison for Brisbane home buyers · 2025–26 data
Data updated July 2025 · Council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance
Annual running cost breakdown
| Cost component | Marsden | Waterford West |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,616 | $1,616 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,834 | $1,834 |
| Annual commute (driving) | $11,880 | $11,880 |
| Home insurance (estimated) | $1,900 | $2,800 |
| Total annual cost | $17,230 | $18,130 |
| Distance to CBD | 23.9 km | 26.7 km |
Teal = lower cost. Council rates from Logan City Council 2025-26 and Logan City Council 2025-26. Commute uses ATO 88c/km over ABS annual kilometres by location class. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown detail
Both suburbs fall under Logan City Council 2025-26, paying the same general rate of $1,616 per year.
Driving commute costs are similar: $11,880 per year from Marsden and $11,880 from Waterford West to Brisbane CBD.
Schools and risk profile
| Factor | Marsden | Waterford West |
|---|---|---|
| School score (ICSEA) | 1.7/10 | 1.5/10 |
| Nearest state primary | Burrowes State School | Waterford West State School |
| Nearest private school | St John of Kronstadt Academy | Bethania Lutheran Primary School |
| Flood risk | Low | Low |
| Fire risk | Medium | High |
School quality is similar in both suburbs. Marsden scores 1.7/10 and Waterford West scores 1.5/10 on the ICSEA scale. Nearest state primary schools are Burrowes State School and Waterford West State School respectively.
Marsden carries low flood risk and medium fire risk. Waterford West has low flood risk and high fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe and QFES mapping.
Who each suburb suits
- Buyers watching costs: Marsden saves $900 per year
- City commuters: 23.9 km to CBD vs 26.7 km
- Families prioritising school scores: 1.7/10
- Buyers who want lower flood and fire risk
- Buyers drawn to Waterford West's location relative to work and family
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to live in, Marsden or Waterford West?
Marsden is cheaper by $900 per year, or $75 per month. That covers council rates ($1,616 vs $1,616), water ($1,834 vs $1,834), commute, and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025–26 data.
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How far is Marsden from Brisbane CBD compared to Waterford West?
Marsden is 23.9 km from Brisbane CBD. Waterford West is 26.7 km from Brisbane CBD. Annual driving commute costs are $11,880 and $11,880 respectively, using the ATO 88 cents per kilometre rate over standard working days.
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Which suburb has better schools, Marsden or Waterford West?
Marsden rates higher on ICSEA school quality data at 1.7/10 versus 1.5/10 for Waterford West. The nearest state primary in Marsden is Burrowes State School; in Waterford West it is Waterford West State School. Source: ACARA ICSEA 2025.
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What are the flood and fire risks in Marsden versus Waterford West?
Marsden has low flood risk and medium fire risk. Waterford West has low flood risk and high fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe flood mapping and QFES bushfire prone land data.
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What are council rates in Marsden compared to Waterford West?
Annual council rates for a house in Marsden are $1,616 (Logan City Council 2025-26). In Waterford West the rate is $1,616 (Logan City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage charges add $1,834 in Marsden and $1,834 in Waterford West per year.
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Is Marsden or Waterford West better for families?
Marsden scores 1.7/10 on schools and has lower flood and fire risk. For families running both checks, it wins on both counts.
Individual suburb profiles
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