Albion vs Wooloowin: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Albion and Wooloowin are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 4.5 km and 5.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Albion runs $346 a year cheaper than Wooloowin, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,967.
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 →Albion
Wooloowin
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Albion | Wooloowin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,484 | $1,880 | -$396 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,800 | $1,750 | +$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,200 | $3,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $6,134 | $6,480 | -$346 |
| Total (public transport) | $4,842 | $4,792 | +$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Albion | Wooloowin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Albion vs Wooloowin (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Albion costs $346 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,967 in favour of Albion.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $396 per year. Wooloowin is 5.8 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $4,842 and $4,792 a year, so the $346 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $950 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Albion by $396 a year, $1,484 against $1,880.
- Building insurance favours Wooloowin by $50 a year, $1,750 against $1,800.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Albion cumulative | Wooloowin cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,134 | $6,480 | $346 |
| Year 3 | $18,960 | $20,029 | $1,069 |
| Year 5 | $32,566 | $34,403 | $1,837 |
| Year 10 | $70,319 | $74,286 | $3,967 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Albion or Wooloowin cheaper to live in?
Albion is cheaper to run by car at $6,134 per year versus $6,480 for Wooloowin, a difference of $346 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Albion and Wooloowin?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Albion (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Wooloowin (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Albion and $1,900 in Wooloowin. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Albion and Wooloowin?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,484 from Albion and $1,880 from Wooloowin to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Albion and $192 from Wooloowin.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Albion and Wooloowin?
At 3% annual cost growth, Albion costs a cumulative $70,319 and Wooloowin costs $74,286 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,967 in favour of Albion. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Albion and Wooloowin 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.