Benowa vs Bundall: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Benowa and Bundall are both City of Gold Coast suburbs, sitting 3.5 km and 4.4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Bundall runs $2,426 a year cheaper than Benowa, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $27,812.
Over 10 years, Bundall costs about $27,800 less to run than Benowa — the same as paying $27,800 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Bundall
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Benowa | Bundall | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,359 | $1,359 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,169 | $2,169 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,131 | $1,405 | -$274 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $2,100 | +$2,700 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,200 | $3,400 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $9,459 | $7,033 | +$2,426 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,520 | $5,820 | +$2,700 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Benowa | Bundall | 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 — Benowa vs Bundall (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bundall costs $2,426 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $27,812 in favour of Bundall.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $2,700 per year. Benowa carries high flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap is $2,700 per year, $8,520 from Benowa versus $5,820 from Bundall.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Benowa cumulative | Bundall cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,459 | $7,033 | $2,426 |
| Year 3 | $29,237 | $21,738 | $7,499 |
| Year 5 | $50,219 | $37,339 | $12,880 |
| Year 10 | $108,437 | $80,625 | $27,812 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Benowa or Bundall cheaper to live in?
Bundall is cheaper to run by car at $7,033 per year versus $9,459 for Benowa, a difference of $2,426 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Benowa and Bundall?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,359 in Benowa (City of Gold Coast) and $1,359 in Bundall (City of Gold Coast). Water and sewerage adds $2,169 in Benowa and $2,169 in Bundall. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Benowa and Bundall?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,131 from Benowa and $1,405 from Bundall to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Benowa and $192 from Bundall.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Benowa and Bundall?
At 3% annual cost growth, Benowa costs a cumulative $108,437 and Bundall costs $80,625 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $27,812 in favour of Bundall. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Benowa and Bundall 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.