Newport vs Rothwell: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Newport and Rothwell are both Moreton Bay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 29.5 km and 28.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $57 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 →Newport
Rothwell
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Newport | Rothwell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,309 | $1,309 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,144 | $2,144 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,508 | $6,451 | +$57 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,900 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,861 | $12,804 | +$57 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,545 | $6,545 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Newport | Rothwell | 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 — Newport vs Rothwell (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Newport and Rothwell cost within $57 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $653, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $57 per year. Newport is 29.5 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, $6,545 and $6,545 a year, so the $57 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,309 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,144 a year.
- Driving commute favours Rothwell by $57 a year, $6,451 against $6,508.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,900 a year.
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.
Flood risk is rated medium in Newport against low in Rothwell, which feeds the insurance estimate. Fire risk is rated high in Rothwell against medium in Newport, which feeds the insurance estimate.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Newport cumulative | Rothwell cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,861 | $12,804 | $57 |
| Year 3 | $39,752 | $39,576 | $176 |
| Year 5 | $68,281 | $67,978 | $303 |
| Year 10 | $147,437 | $146,784 | $653 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Newport or Rothwell cheaper to live in?
Rothwell is cheaper to run by car at $12,804 per year versus $12,861 for Newport, a difference of $57 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Newport and Rothwell?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,309 in Newport (Moreton Bay Regional Council) and $1,309 in Rothwell (Moreton Bay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,144 in Newport and $2,144 in Rothwell. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Newport and Rothwell?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,508 from Newport and $6,451 from Rothwell to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Newport and $192 from Rothwell.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Newport and Rothwell?
At 3% annual cost growth, Newport costs a cumulative $147,437 and Rothwell costs $146,784 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $653 in favour of Rothwell. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Newport and Rothwell 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: Moreton Bay Regional Council and Moreton Bay Regional 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.