Chermside vs Southport: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
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).
Southport runs $1,300 a year cheaper than Chermside, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $14,903.
Over 10 years, Southport costs about $14,900 less to run than Chermside — the same as paying $14,900 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Southport
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Chermside | Southport | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,359 | +$220 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $2,169 | -$269 |
| Commute (driving) | $2,829 | $530 | +$2,299 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,850 | $2,800 | -$950 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,000 | $5,500 | -$2,500 |
| Total (driving) | $8,158 | $6,858 | +$1,300 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,521 | $6,520 | -$999 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Chermside | Southport | 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 — Chermside vs Southport (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Southport costs $1,300 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $14,903 in favour of Southport.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $2,299 per year. Chermside is 9.5 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $999 per year, $5,521 from Chermside versus $6,520 from Southport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Chermside cumulative | Southport cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,158 | $6,858 | $1,300 |
| Year 3 | $25,216 | $21,197 | $4,019 |
| Year 5 | $43,312 | $36,410 | $6,902 |
| Year 10 | $93,522 | $78,619 | $14,903 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chermside or Southport cheaper to live in?
Southport is cheaper to run by car at $6,858 per year versus $8,158 for Chermside, a difference of $1,300 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Chermside and Southport?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Chermside (Brisbane City Council) and $1,359 in Southport (City of Gold Coast). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Chermside and $2,169 in Southport. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Chermside and Southport?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,829 from Chermside and $530 from Southport to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). 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 $93,522 and Southport costs $78,619 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $14,903 in favour of Southport. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Chermside and Southport 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: Brisbane City Council 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.