Capalaba vs Alexandra Hills
Annual running cost comparison for Brisbane home buyers · 2025–26 data
Data updated July 2025 · Council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance
Annual running cost breakdown
| Cost component | Capalaba | Alexandra Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,728 | $1,728 |
| Water & sewerage | $2,037 | $2,037 |
| Annual commute (driving) | $9,680 | $11,880 |
| Home insurance (estimated) | $2,700 | $3,100 |
| Total annual cost | $16,145 | $18,745 |
| Distance to CBD | 19.3 km | 21.3 km |
Teal = lower cost. Council rates from Redland City Council 2025-26 and Redland City Council 2025-26. Commute uses ATO 88c/km over ABS annual kilometres by location class. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown detail
Both suburbs fall under Redland City Council 2025-26, paying the same general rate of $1,728 per year.
Capalaba is 19.3 km from Brisbane CBD; Alexandra Hills is 21.3 km. Annual driving costs come to $9,680 from Capalaba and $11,880 from Alexandra Hills, a $2,200 difference.
Schools and risk profile
| Factor | Capalaba | Alexandra Hills |
|---|---|---|
| School score (ICSEA) | 4.1/10 | 3.4/10 |
| Nearest state primary | Coolnwynpin State School | Vienna Woods State School |
| Nearest private school | St Luke's Catholic Parish School | St Anthony's School |
| Flood risk | Low | Low |
| Fire risk | High | High |
Capalaba has the stronger school profile at 4.1/10 versus 3.4/10 for Alexandra Hills (ICSEA scale, higher = better). Nearest state primaries: Coolnwynpin State School (Capalaba) and Vienna Woods State School (Alexandra Hills).
Both suburbs share low flood risk and high fire risk according to Queensland government mapping.
Who each suburb suits
- Buyers watching costs: Capalaba saves $2,600 per year
- City commuters: 19.3 km to CBD vs 21.3 km
- Families prioritising school scores: 4.1/10
- Buyers drawn to Alexandra Hills's location relative to work and family
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to live in, Capalaba or Alexandra Hills?
Capalaba is cheaper by $2,600 per year, or $217 per month. That covers council rates ($1,728 vs $1,728), water ($2,037 vs $2,037), commute, and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025–26 data.
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How far is Capalaba from Brisbane CBD compared to Alexandra Hills?
Capalaba is 19.3 km from Brisbane CBD. Alexandra Hills is 21.3 km from Brisbane CBD. Annual driving commute costs are $9,680 and $11,880 respectively, using the ATO 88 cents per kilometre rate over standard working days.
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Which suburb has better schools, Capalaba or Alexandra Hills?
Capalaba rates higher on ICSEA school quality data at 4.1/10 versus 3.4/10 for Alexandra Hills. The nearest state primary in Capalaba is Coolnwynpin State School; in Alexandra Hills it is Vienna Woods State School. Source: ACARA ICSEA 2025.
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What are the flood and fire risks in Capalaba versus Alexandra Hills?
Capalaba has low flood risk and high fire risk. Alexandra Hills has low flood risk and high fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe flood mapping and QFES bushfire prone land data.
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What are council rates in Capalaba compared to Alexandra Hills?
Annual council rates for a house in Capalaba are $1,728 (Redland City Council 2025-26). In Alexandra Hills the rate is $1,728 (Redland City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage charges add $2,037 in Capalaba and $2,037 in Alexandra Hills per year.
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Is Capalaba or Alexandra Hills better for families?
Capalaba scores 4.1/10 on schools and has lower flood and fire risk. For families running both checks, it wins on both counts.
Individual suburb profiles
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