Ransome vs Wakerley, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Ransome and Wakerley are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 15.6 km and 13.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $13 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.
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Wakerley
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ransome | Wakerley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $4,389 | $3,852 | +$537 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,300 | $2,850 | -$550 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,600 | $2,800 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $9,539 | $9,552 | -$13 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,342 | $5,892 | -$550 |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Ransome | Wakerley | 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, Ransome vs Wakerley (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Ransome and Wakerley cost within $13 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $149, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $550 per year. Wakerley carries high flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap is $550 per year, $5,342 from Ransome versus $5,892 from Wakerley.
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 Wakerley by $537 a year, $3,852 against $4,389.
- Building insurance favours Ransome by $550 a year, $2,300 against $2,850.
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 | Ransome cumulative | Wakerley cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,539 | $9,552 | $13 |
| Year 3 | $29,484 | $29,524 | $40 |
| Year 5 | $50,644 | $50,713 | $69 |
| Year 10 | $109,354 | $109,503 | $149 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ransome or Wakerley cheaper to live in?
Ransome is cheaper to run by car at $9,539 per year versus $9,552 for Wakerley, a difference of $13 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Ransome and Wakerley?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Ransome (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Wakerley (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Ransome and $1,900 in Wakerley. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Ransome and Wakerley?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,389 from Ransome and $3,852 from Wakerley to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Ransome and $192 from Wakerley.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Ransome and Wakerley?
At 3% annual cost growth, Ransome costs a cumulative $109,354 and Wakerley costs $109,503 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $149 in favour of Ransome. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Ransome and Wakerley suits you better?
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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 insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.