Rochedale South vs Springwood: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Rochedale South and Springwood are both Logan City Council suburbs, sitting 17.8 km and 20.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Rochedale South runs $1,009 a year cheaper than Springwood, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $11,567.
Over 10 years, Rochedale South costs about $11,600 less to run than Springwood — the same as paying $11,600 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Springwood
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Rochedale South | Springwood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,816 | $1,816 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,149 | $2,149 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,677 | $5,086 | -$409 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,200 | $2,800 | -$600 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,800 | -$600 |
| Total (driving) | $10,842 | $11,851 | -$1,009 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,357 | $6,957 | -$600 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Rochedale South | Springwood | 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 — Rochedale South vs Springwood (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Rochedale South costs $1,009 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $11,567 in favour of Rochedale South.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $600 per year.
On public transport the gap is $600 per year, $6,357 from Rochedale South versus $6,957 from Springwood.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Rochedale South cumulative | Springwood cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,842 | $11,851 | $1,009 |
| Year 3 | $33,512 | $36,630 | $3,118 |
| Year 5 | $57,562 | $62,919 | $5,357 |
| Year 10 | $124,291 | $135,858 | $11,567 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rochedale South or Springwood cheaper to live in?
Rochedale South is cheaper to run by car at $10,842 per year versus $11,851 for Springwood, a difference of $1,009 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Rochedale South and Springwood?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,816 in Rochedale South (Logan City Council) and $1,816 in Springwood (Logan City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,149 in Rochedale South and $2,149 in Springwood. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Rochedale South and Springwood?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,677 from Rochedale South and $5,086 from Springwood to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Rochedale South and $192 from Springwood.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Rochedale South and Springwood?
At 3% annual cost growth, Rochedale South costs a cumulative $124,291 and Springwood costs $135,858 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $11,567 in favour of Rochedale South. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Rochedale South and Springwood 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.
Related comparisons
Sources: Logan City Council and Logan 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.