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9.3 km from CBD
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True annual cost of living in Rocklea, QLD 4106

Rocklea sits 9.3 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $9,629, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs come in at $7,229, as lower council rates more than offset the $2,800 body corporate levy. Switching from driving to public transport saves $594 per year at this distance.

Annual cost — house
$9,629
Driving · per year
$802/month
Lower cost
Annual cost — unit
$7,229
Incl. body corporate
$602/month
House vs unit difference
−$2,400
Unit is cheaper per year
Annual cost breakdown
Council rates
Brisbane City Council 2025-26
$1,519
Water & sewerage
Queensland Urban Utilities 2025-26
$1,824
Commute — driving
ATO 88c/km · 9.3km from CBD · 192 days
$786
Home insurance
Estimated — flood High, fire High
$5,500
Total annual running cost
$9,629
($802/month)
↑ 41% above Brisbane City Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●○○○○ 2.1/10
Compare Rocklea with another suburb
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Rocklea to the CBD?
Public transport saves Rocklea residents $594 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $786 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Rocklea?
Rocklea falls under Brisbane City Council. The residential general rate for 2025–26 is $1,519 per year for an owner-occupied house. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $999 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Rocklea?
Running a unit in Rocklea costs approximately $7,229 per year by car or $6,635 by public transport. This includes council rates of $999, water and sewerage $1,824, estimated body corporate levy of $2,800, and contents insurance of $820. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings — always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

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Data sources: Council rates: Brisbane City Council 2025-26. Water: Queensland Urban Utilities 2025-26. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2025–26 (88c/km). Insurance: AI-estimated, disclosed as estimate. Schools: ACARA NAPLAN 2025. Risk: Queensland Globe, QFES. Data updated July 2025.
Cost estimates are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute financial, insurance, or credit advice.