Paddington vs Ashgrove
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 | Paddington | Ashgrove |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 |
| Annual commute (driving) | $245 | $422 |
| Home insurance (estimated) | $1,950 | $3,000 |
| Total annual cost | $5,538 | $6,765 |
| Distance to CBD | 2.9 km | 5 km |
Teal = lower cost. Council rates from Brisbane City Council 2025-26 and Brisbane 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 Brisbane City Council 2025-26, paying the same general rate of $1,519 per year.
Driving commute costs are similar: $245 per year from Paddington and $422 from Ashgrove to Brisbane CBD.
Schools and risk profile
| Factor | Paddington | Ashgrove |
|---|---|---|
| School score (ICSEA) | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| Nearest state primary | Milton State School | Oakleigh State School |
| Nearest private school | St Finbarr's School | St Finbarr's School |
| Flood risk | Low | Low |
| Fire risk | Medium | High |
School quality is similar in both suburbs. Paddington scores 9.5/10 and Ashgrove scores 9.6/10 on the ICSEA scale. Nearest state primary schools are Milton State School and Oakleigh State School respectively.
Paddington carries low flood risk and medium fire risk. Ashgrove has low flood risk and high fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe and QFES mapping.
Who each suburb suits
- Buyers watching costs: Paddington saves $1,227 per year
- City commuters: 2.9 km to CBD vs 5 km
- Buyers who want lower flood and fire risk
- Families prioritising school scores: 9.6/10
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to live in, Paddington or Ashgrove?
Paddington is cheaper by $1,227 per year, or $102 per month. That covers council rates ($1,519 vs $1,519), water ($1,824 vs $1,824), commute, and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025–26 data.
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How far is Paddington from Brisbane CBD compared to Ashgrove?
Paddington is 2.9 km from Brisbane CBD. Ashgrove is 5 km from Brisbane CBD. Annual driving commute costs are $245 and $422 respectively, using the ATO 88 cents per kilometre rate over standard working days.
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Which suburb has better schools, Paddington or Ashgrove?
Ashgrove rates higher on ICSEA school quality data at 9.6/10 versus 9.5/10 for Paddington. The nearest state primary in Paddington is Milton State School; in Ashgrove it is Oakleigh State School. Source: ACARA ICSEA 2025.
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What are the flood and fire risks in Paddington versus Ashgrove?
Paddington has low flood risk and medium fire risk. Ashgrove 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 Paddington compared to Ashgrove?
Annual council rates for a house in Paddington are $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). In Ashgrove the rate is $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage charges add $1,824 in Paddington and $1,824 in Ashgrove per year.
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Is Paddington or Ashgrove better for families?
Ashgrove scores higher on schools at 9.6/10 versus 9.5/10. Paddington has lower combined flood and fire risk. Those two factors point in different directions for this pair.
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