Arundel vs Parkwood: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Arundel and Parkwood are both City of Gold Coast suburbs, sitting 4.7 km and 3.1 km from Gold Coast CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Parkwood runs $805 a year cheaper than Arundel, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $9,228.
Over 10 years, Parkwood costs about $9,200 less to run than Arundel — the same as paying $9,200 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Parkwood
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Arundel | Parkwood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,359 | $1,359 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,169 | $2,169 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,546 | $1,041 | +$505 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,500 | $3,200 | +$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,574 | $7,769 | +$805 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,220 | $6,920 | +$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Arundel | Parkwood | 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 — Arundel vs Parkwood (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Parkwood costs $805 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $9,228 in favour of Parkwood.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $505 per year. Arundel is 4.7 km from Gold Coast CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $7,220 from Arundel versus $6,920 from Parkwood.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,359 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,169 a year.
- Driving commute favours Parkwood by $505 a year, $1,041 against $1,546.
- Building insurance favours Parkwood by $300 a year, $3,200 against $3,500.
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 | Arundel cumulative | Parkwood cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,574 | $7,769 | $805 |
| Year 3 | $26,501 | $24,013 | $2,488 |
| Year 5 | $45,521 | $41,247 | $4,274 |
| Year 10 | $98,291 | $89,063 | $9,228 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arundel or Parkwood cheaper to live in?
Parkwood is cheaper to run by car at $7,769 per year versus $8,574 for Arundel, a difference of $805 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Arundel and Parkwood?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,359 in Arundel (City of Gold Coast) and $1,359 in Parkwood (City of Gold Coast). Water and sewerage adds $2,169 in Arundel and $2,169 in Parkwood. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Arundel and Parkwood?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,546 from Arundel and $1,041 from Parkwood to Gold Coast CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Arundel and $192 from Parkwood.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Arundel and Parkwood?
At 3% annual cost growth, Arundel costs a cumulative $98,291 and Parkwood costs $89,063 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $9,228 in favour of Parkwood. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Arundel and Parkwood 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: City of Gold Coast and City of Gold Coast 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.