Chermside vs Southport: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Chermside (Brisbane City Council) and Southport (City of Gold Coast) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (9.5 km and 1.6 km).
Chermside
Southport
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Chermside | Southport | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,298 | +$221 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $2,086 | -$262 |
| Commute (driving) | $803 | $135 | +$668 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,850 | $2,800 | -$950 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,000 | $5,500 | -$2,500 |
| Total (driving) | $5,996 | $6,319 | -$323 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,385 | $6,376 | -$991 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Chermside vs Southport (2025-26)
What the numbers show
Chermside costs $323 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,703 in favour of Chermside.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $950 per year.
On public transport the gap shifts to $991 per year. Both suburbs pay a flat PT fare, so the difference in total PT cost reflects council rates and insurance rather than commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Chermside cumulative | Southport cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $5,996 | $6,319 | $323 |
| Year 3 | $18,533 | $19,531 | $998 |
| Year 5 | $31,834 | $33,548 | $1,714 |
| Year 10 | $68,737 | $72,440 | $3,703 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chermside or Southport cheaper to live in?
Chermside is cheaper to run by car at $5,996 per year versus $6,319 for Southport — a difference of $323 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025-26 data.
What are council rates in Chermside and Southport?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,519 in Chermside (Brisbane City Council 2025-26) and $1,298 in Southport (City of Gold Coast 2025-26). Water and sewerage adds $1,824 in Chermside and $2,086 in Southport.
How does the commute cost compare between Chermside and Southport?
Annual driving commute costs are $803 from Chermside and $135 from Southport to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km, 220 working days). Public transport costs $192 from Chermside and $192 from Southport.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Chermside and Southport?
At 3% annual cost growth, Chermside costs a cumulative $68,737 and Southport costs $72,440 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,703 in favour of Chermside. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Compare Chermside and Southport in the tool
The SuburbCost comparison tool shows the full annual cost breakdown for both suburbs side by side. Toggle between driving and public transport to see which suburb comes out ahead for your commuting pattern.
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Sources: Brisbane City Council and City of Gold Coast rate schedules 2025-26, Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater 2025-26, ATO 88c/km, SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2025.