Newmarket vs Wilston: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Newmarket and Wilston are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 4.2 km and 4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $87 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 →Newmarket
Wilston
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Newmarket | Wilston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,391 | $1,328 | +$63 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,850 | $2,000 | -$150 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,200 | $3,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $6,091 | $6,178 | -$87 |
| Total (public transport) | $4,892 | $5,042 | -$150 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Newmarket | Wilston | 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 — Newmarket vs Wilston (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Newmarket and Wilston cost within $87 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $998, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $150 per year. Wilston carries high flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $4,892 and $5,042 a year, so the $87 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 Wilston by $63 a year, $1,328 against $1,391.
- Building insurance favours Newmarket by $150 a year, $1,850 against $2,000.
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.
Flood risk is rated high in Wilston against medium in Newmarket, which feeds the insurance estimate. Fire risk is rated medium in Wilston against low in Newmarket, which feeds the insurance estimate.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Newmarket cumulative | Wilston cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,091 | $6,178 | $87 |
| Year 3 | $18,827 | $19,096 | $269 |
| Year 5 | $32,338 | $32,800 | $462 |
| Year 10 | $69,826 | $70,824 | $998 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Newmarket or Wilston cheaper to live in?
Newmarket is cheaper to run by car at $6,091 per year versus $6,178 for Wilston, a difference of $87 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Newmarket and Wilston?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Newmarket (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Wilston (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Newmarket and $1,900 in Wilston. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Newmarket and Wilston?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,391 from Newmarket and $1,328 from Wilston to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Newmarket and $192 from Wilston.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Newmarket and Wilston?
At 3% annual cost growth, Newmarket costs a cumulative $69,826 and Wilston costs $70,824 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $998 in favour of Newmarket. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Newmarket and Wilston 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.