Rochedale vs Rochedale South: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Rochedale (Brisbane City Council) and Rochedale South (Logan City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (14.8 km and 17.8 km).
Rochedale runs $487 a year cheaper than Rochedale South, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $5,583.
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 →Rochedale
Rochedale South
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Rochedale | Rochedale South | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,816 | -$237 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $2,149 | -$249 |
| Commute (driving) | $4,076 | $4,677 | -$601 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $2,200 | +$600 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,200 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $10,355 | $10,842 | -$487 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,471 | $6,357 | +$114 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Rochedale | Rochedale South | 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 vs Rochedale South (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Rochedale costs $487 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $5,583 in favour of Rochedale.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $601 per year. Rochedale South is 17.8 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,471 and $6,357 a year, so the $487 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Rochedale cumulative | Rochedale South cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,355 | $10,842 | $487 |
| Year 3 | $32,006 | $33,512 | $1,506 |
| Year 5 | $54,976 | $57,562 | $2,586 |
| Year 10 | $118,708 | $124,291 | $5,583 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rochedale or Rochedale South cheaper to live in?
Rochedale is cheaper to run by car at $10,355 per year versus $10,842 for Rochedale South, a difference of $487 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Rochedale and Rochedale South?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Rochedale (Brisbane City Council) and $1,816 in Rochedale South (Logan City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Rochedale and $2,149 in Rochedale South. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Rochedale and Rochedale South?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,076 from Rochedale and $4,677 from Rochedale South to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Rochedale and $192 from Rochedale South.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Rochedale and Rochedale South?
At 3% annual cost growth, Rochedale costs a cumulative $118,708 and Rochedale South costs $124,291 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $5,583 in favour of Rochedale. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Rochedale and Rochedale South 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: Brisbane 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.