Alderley vs Paddington: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Alderley and Paddington are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 5.5 km and 2.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Alderley
Paddington
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Alderley | Paddington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $465 | $245 | +$220 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $1,950 | +$950 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,000 | $3,500 | -$500 |
| Total (driving) | $6,708 | $5,538 | +$1,170 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,435 | $5,485 | +$950 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Alderley vs Paddington (2025-26)
What the numbers show
Paddington costs $1,170 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $13,413 in favour of Paddington.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $950 per year. Alderley carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap shifts to $950 per year. Both suburbs pay a flat PT fare, so the difference in total PT cost reflects council rates and insurance rather than commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Alderley cumulative | Paddington cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,708 | $5,538 | $1,170 |
| Year 3 | $20,734 | $17,117 | $3,617 |
| Year 5 | $35,614 | $29,402 | $6,212 |
| Year 10 | $76,900 | $63,487 | $13,413 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alderley or Paddington cheaper to live in?
Paddington is cheaper to run by car at $5,538 per year versus $6,708 for Alderley — a difference of $1,170 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025-26 data.
What are council rates in Alderley and Paddington?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,519 in Alderley (Brisbane City Council 2025-26) and $1,519 in Paddington (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage adds $1,824 in Alderley and $1,824 in Paddington.
How does the commute cost compare between Alderley and Paddington?
Annual driving commute costs are $465 from Alderley and $245 from Paddington to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km, 220 working days). Public transport costs $192 from Alderley and $192 from Paddington.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Alderley and Paddington?
At 3% annual cost growth, Alderley costs a cumulative $76,900 and Paddington costs $63,487 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $13,413 in favour of Paddington. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Compare Alderley and Paddington in the tool
The SuburbCost comparison tool shows the full annual cost breakdown for both suburbs side by side. Toggle between driving and public transport to see which suburb comes out ahead for your commuting pattern.
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Sources: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate schedules 2025-26, Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater 2025-26, ATO 88c/km, SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2025.