Rocklea vs Tennyson: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Rocklea and Tennyson are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 9.3 km and 6.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Tennyson runs $4,046 a year cheaper than Rocklea, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $46,382.
Over 10 years, Tennyson costs about $46,400 less to run than Rocklea — the same as paying $46,400 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Tennyson
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Rocklea | Tennyson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,777 | $2,131 | +$646 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $5,500 | $2,100 | +$3,400 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,900 | -$100 |
| Total (driving) | $11,756 | $7,710 | +$4,046 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,171 | $5,771 | +$3,400 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Rocklea | Tennyson | 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 — Rocklea vs Tennyson (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Tennyson costs $4,046 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $46,382 in favour of Tennyson.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $3,400 per year. Rocklea carries high flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap is $3,400 per year, $9,171 from Rocklea versus $5,771 from Tennyson.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Rocklea cumulative | Tennyson cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,756 | $7,710 | $4,046 |
| Year 3 | $36,337 | $23,831 | $12,506 |
| Year 5 | $62,414 | $40,933 | $21,481 |
| Year 10 | $134,769 | $88,387 | $46,382 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rocklea or Tennyson cheaper to live in?
Tennyson is cheaper to run by car at $7,710 per year versus $11,756 for Rocklea, a difference of $4,046 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Rocklea and Tennyson?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Rocklea (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Tennyson (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Rocklea and $1,900 in Tennyson. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Rocklea and Tennyson?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,777 from Rocklea and $2,131 from Tennyson to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Rocklea and $192 from Tennyson.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Rocklea and Tennyson?
At 3% annual cost growth, Rocklea costs a cumulative $134,769 and Tennyson costs $88,387 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $46,382 in favour of Tennyson. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Rocklea and Tennyson 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 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.