Brinsmead vs Redlynch: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Brinsmead and Redlynch are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 7 km and 8.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $111 a year of each other to run, so running cost is a minor factor here — the decision comes down to schools, risk and lifestyle, all in the free report.
Over 10 years these two cost about the same to run. The difference here isn't money — it's location, schools and lifestyle.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →Brinsmead
Redlynch
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Brinsmead | Redlynch | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,165 | $1,165 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,158 | $2,647 | -$489 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,800 | $6,200 | +$600 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,400 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $11,888 | $11,777 | +$111 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,922 | $9,322 | +$600 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Brinsmead | Redlynch | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,218 | $2,218 | - |
| Unit | $1,773 | $1,773 | - |
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 — Brinsmead vs Redlynch (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Brinsmead and Redlynch cost within $111 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,273, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $600 per year.
On public transport the gap is $600 per year, $9,922 from Brinsmead versus $9,322 from Redlynch.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Brinsmead cumulative | Redlynch cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,888 | $11,777 | $111 |
| Year 3 | $36,745 | $36,402 | $343 |
| Year 5 | $63,115 | $62,526 | $589 |
| Year 10 | $136,283 | $135,010 | $1,273 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brinsmead or Redlynch cheaper to live in?
Redlynch is cheaper to run by car at $11,777 per year versus $11,888 for Brinsmead, a difference of $111 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Brinsmead and Redlynch?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,165 in Brinsmead (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,165 in Redlynch (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Brinsmead and $1,765 in Redlynch. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Brinsmead and Redlynch?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,158 from Brinsmead and $2,647 from Redlynch to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Brinsmead and $192 from Redlynch.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Brinsmead and Redlynch?
At 3% annual cost growth, Brinsmead costs a cumulative $136,283 and Redlynch costs $135,010 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,273 in favour of Redlynch. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Brinsmead and Redlynch 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: Cairns Regional Council and Cairns Regional 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.