Alexandra Hills vs Capalaba: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Alexandra Hills and Capalaba are both Redland City Council suburbs, sitting 21.3 km and 19.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Capalaba runs $733 a year cheaper than Alexandra Hills, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $8,403.
Over 10 years, Capalaba costs about $8,400 less to run than Alexandra Hills — the same as paying $8,400 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Capalaba
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Alexandra Hills | Capalaba | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,436 | $1,436 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,308 | $2,308 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,281 | $4,948 | +$333 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $2,700 | +$400 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,600 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $12,125 | $11,392 | +$733 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,036 | $6,636 | +$400 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Alexandra Hills | Capalaba | 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 — Alexandra Hills vs Capalaba (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Capalaba costs $733 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $8,403 in favour of Capalaba.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $400 per year.
On public transport the gap is $400 per year, $7,036 from Alexandra Hills versus $6,636 from Capalaba.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Alexandra Hills cumulative | Capalaba cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,125 | $11,392 | $733 |
| Year 3 | $37,477 | $35,212 | $2,265 |
| Year 5 | $64,373 | $60,482 | $3,891 |
| Year 10 | $139,000 | $130,597 | $8,403 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alexandra Hills or Capalaba cheaper to live in?
Capalaba is cheaper to run by car at $11,392 per year versus $12,125 for Alexandra Hills, a difference of $733 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Alexandra Hills and Capalaba?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,436 in Alexandra Hills (Redland City Council) and $1,436 in Capalaba (Redland City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,308 in Alexandra Hills and $2,308 in Capalaba. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Alexandra Hills and Capalaba?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,281 from Alexandra Hills and $4,948 from Capalaba to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Alexandra Hills and $192 from Capalaba.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Alexandra Hills and Capalaba?
At 3% annual cost growth, Alexandra Hills costs a cumulative $139,000 and Capalaba costs $130,597 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $8,403 in favour of Capalaba. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Alexandra Hills and Capalaba 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: Redland City Council and Redland 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.