Alexandra Hills vs Thornlands
Annual running cost comparison for Brisbane home buyers · 2025–26 data
Data updated July 2025 · Council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance
Annual running cost breakdown
| Cost component | Alexandra Hills | Thornlands |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,728 | $1,728 |
| Water & sewerage | $2,037 | $2,037 |
| Annual commute (driving) | $11,880 | $11,880 |
| Home insurance (estimated) | $3,100 | $2,900 |
| Total annual cost | $18,745 | $18,545 |
| Distance to CBD | 21.3 km | 25.7 km |
Teal = lower cost. Council rates from Redland City Council 2025-26 and Redland City Council 2025-26. Commute uses ATO 88c/km over ABS annual kilometres by location class. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown detail
Both suburbs fall under Redland City Council 2025-26, paying the same general rate of $1,728 per year.
Driving commute costs are similar: $11,880 per year from Alexandra Hills and $11,880 from Thornlands to Brisbane CBD.
Schools and risk profile
| Factor | Alexandra Hills | Thornlands |
|---|---|---|
| School score (ICSEA) | 3.4/10 | 5.1/10 |
| Nearest state primary | Vienna Woods State School | Bay View State School |
| Nearest private school | St Anthony's School | Faith Lutheran College - Redlands |
| Flood risk | Low | Low |
| Fire risk | High | High |
Thornlands has the stronger school profile at 5.1/10 versus 3.4/10 for Alexandra Hills (ICSEA scale, higher = better). Nearest state primaries: Vienna Woods State School (Alexandra Hills) and Bay View State School (Thornlands).
Both suburbs share low flood risk and high fire risk according to Queensland government mapping.
Who each suburb suits
- City commuters: 21.3 km to CBD vs 25.7 km
- Buyers watching costs: Thornlands saves $200 per year
- Families prioritising school scores: 5.1/10
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to live in, Alexandra Hills or Thornlands?
Alexandra Hills and Thornlands are within $200 of each other annually for a house. At that margin, commute direction and school scores will drive the decision more than running cost.
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How far is Alexandra Hills from Brisbane CBD compared to Thornlands?
Alexandra Hills is 21.3 km from Brisbane CBD. Thornlands is 25.7 km from Brisbane CBD. Annual driving commute costs are $11,880 and $11,880 respectively, using the ATO 88 cents per kilometre rate over standard working days.
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Which suburb has better schools, Alexandra Hills or Thornlands?
Thornlands rates higher on ICSEA school quality data at 5.1/10 versus 3.4/10 for Alexandra Hills. The nearest state primary in Alexandra Hills is Vienna Woods State School; in Thornlands it is Bay View State School. Source: ACARA ICSEA 2025.
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What are the flood and fire risks in Alexandra Hills versus Thornlands?
Alexandra Hills has low flood risk and high fire risk. Thornlands has low flood risk and high fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe flood mapping and QFES bushfire prone land data.
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What are council rates in Alexandra Hills compared to Thornlands?
Annual council rates for a house in Alexandra Hills are $1,728 (Redland City Council 2025-26). In Thornlands the rate is $1,728 (Redland City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage charges add $2,037 in Alexandra Hills and $2,037 in Thornlands per year.
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Is Alexandra Hills or Thornlands better for families?
Thornlands scores higher on schools at 5.1/10 versus 3.4/10. Alexandra Hills has lower combined flood and fire risk. Those two factors point in different directions for this pair.
Individual suburb profiles
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