Burleigh Heads vs Reedy Creek: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Burleigh Heads and Reedy Creek are both City of Gold Coast suburbs, sitting 15.1 km and 15.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $79 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 →Burleigh Heads
Reedy Creek
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Burleigh Heads | Reedy Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,359 | $1,359 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,169 | $2,169 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,139 | $4,160 | -$21 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $2,900 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,200 | $2,600 | +$600 |
| Total (driving) | $10,667 | $10,588 | +$79 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,720 | $6,620 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Burleigh Heads | Reedy Creek | 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 — Burleigh Heads vs Reedy Creek (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Burleigh Heads and Reedy Creek cost within $79 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $905, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $100 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,720 and $6,620 a year, so the $79 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Burleigh Heads cumulative | Reedy Creek cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,667 | $10,588 | $79 |
| Year 3 | $32,971 | $32,726 | $245 |
| Year 5 | $56,633 | $56,213 | $420 |
| Year 10 | $122,285 | $121,380 | $905 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Burleigh Heads or Reedy Creek cheaper to live in?
Reedy Creek is cheaper to run by car at $10,588 per year versus $10,667 for Burleigh Heads, a difference of $79 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Burleigh Heads and Reedy Creek?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,359 in Burleigh Heads (City of Gold Coast) and $1,359 in Reedy Creek (City of Gold Coast). Water and sewerage adds $2,169 in Burleigh Heads and $2,169 in Reedy Creek. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Burleigh Heads and Reedy Creek?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,139 from Burleigh Heads and $4,160 from Reedy Creek to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Burleigh Heads and $192 from Reedy Creek.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Burleigh Heads and Reedy Creek?
At 3% annual cost growth, Burleigh Heads costs a cumulative $122,285 and Reedy Creek costs $121,380 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $905 in favour of Reedy Creek. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Burleigh Heads and Reedy Creek 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: 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.