Ransome vs Wakerley: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/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.
Wakerley runs $919 a year cheaper than Ransome, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $10,535.
Over 10 years, Wakerley costs about $10,500 less to run than Ransome — the same as paying $10,500 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Wakerley
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ransome | Wakerley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,244 | $3,725 | +$519 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $2,800 | +$400 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,800 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $10,923 | $10,004 | +$919 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,871 | $6,471 | +$400 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Ransome | Wakerley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $1,976 | $1,976 | - |
| Unit | $1,591 | $1,591 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2025 rates (QLD 30c/kWh, NSW 33c/kWh incl. supply charge; 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
Wakerley costs $919 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,535 in favour of Wakerley.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $519 per year. Ransome is 15.6 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $400 per year, $6,871 from Ransome versus $6,471 from Wakerley.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Ransome cumulative | Wakerley cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,923 | $10,004 | $919 |
| Year 3 | $33,762 | $30,921 | $2,841 |
| Year 5 | $57,992 | $53,113 | $4,879 |
| Year 10 | $125,220 | $114,685 | $10,535 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ransome or Wakerley cheaper to live in?
Wakerley is cheaper to run by car at $10,004 per year versus $10,923 for Ransome, a difference of $919 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Ransome and Wakerley?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Ransome (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 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 $4,244 from Ransome and $3,725 from Wakerley to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/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 $125,220 and Wakerley costs $114,685 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,535 in favour of Wakerley. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Ransome and Wakerley 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.