Auchenflower vs Paddington: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Auchenflower and Paddington are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 3 km and 2.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Paddington runs $982 a year cheaper than Auchenflower, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $11,258.
Over 10 years, Paddington costs about $11,300 less to run than Auchenflower — the same as paying $11,300 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →Auchenflower
Paddington
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Auchenflower | Paddington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $976 | $944 | +$32 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $1,950 | +$950 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,800 | $3,500 | +$300 |
| Total (driving) | $7,355 | $6,373 | +$982 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,571 | $5,621 | +$950 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Auchenflower | Paddington | 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 — Auchenflower vs Paddington (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Paddington costs $982 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $11,258 in favour of Paddington.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $950 per year. Auchenflower carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap is $950 per year, $6,571 from Auchenflower versus $5,621 from Paddington.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Auchenflower cumulative | Paddington cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,355 | $6,373 | $982 |
| Year 3 | $22,734 | $19,698 | $3,036 |
| Year 5 | $39,049 | $33,835 | $5,214 |
| Year 10 | $84,317 | $73,059 | $11,258 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Auchenflower or Paddington cheaper to live in?
Paddington is cheaper to run by car at $6,373 per year versus $7,355 for Auchenflower, a difference of $982 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Auchenflower and Paddington?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Auchenflower (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Paddington (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Auchenflower and $1,900 in Paddington. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Auchenflower and Paddington?
Annual driving commute costs are $976 from Auchenflower and $944 from Paddington to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Auchenflower and $192 from Paddington.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Auchenflower and Paddington?
At 3% annual cost growth, Auchenflower costs a cumulative $84,317 and Paddington costs $73,059 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $11,258 in favour of Paddington. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Auchenflower and Paddington 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: 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.