Annerley vs Fairfield: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Annerley and Fairfield are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 4.8 km and 4.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Annerley runs $1,139 a year cheaper than Fairfield, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $13,057.
Over 10 years, Annerley costs about $13,100 less to run than Fairfield — the same as paying $13,100 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Fairfield
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Annerley | Fairfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,525 | $1,314 | +$211 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,750 | $3,100 | -$1,350 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $3,200 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $6,754 | $7,893 | -$1,139 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,421 | $6,771 | -$1,350 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Annerley | Fairfield | 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 — Annerley vs Fairfield (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Annerley costs $1,139 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $13,057 in favour of Annerley.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $1,350 per year. Fairfield carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap is $1,350 per year, $5,421 from Annerley versus $6,771 from Fairfield.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Annerley cumulative | Fairfield cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,754 | $7,893 | $1,139 |
| Year 3 | $20,876 | $24,396 | $3,520 |
| Year 5 | $35,858 | $41,905 | $6,047 |
| Year 10 | $77,427 | $90,484 | $13,057 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Annerley or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Annerley is cheaper to run by car at $6,754 per year versus $7,893 for Fairfield, a difference of $1,139 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Annerley and Fairfield?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Annerley (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Fairfield (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Annerley and $1,900 in Fairfield. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Annerley and Fairfield?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,525 from Annerley and $1,314 from Fairfield to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Annerley and $192 from Fairfield.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Annerley and Fairfield?
At 3% annual cost growth, Annerley costs a cumulative $77,427 and Fairfield costs $90,484 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $13,057 in favour of Annerley. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Annerley and Fairfield 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.
Related comparisons
Sources: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane 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.