Chermside vs Wavell Heights
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 | Chermside | Wavell Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 |
| Annual commute (driving) | $803 | $735 |
| Home insurance (estimated) | $1,850 | $1,850 |
| Total annual cost | $5,996 | $5,928 |
| Distance to CBD | 9.5 km | 8.7 km |
Teal = lower cost. Council rates from Brisbane City Council 2025-26 and Brisbane 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 Brisbane City Council 2025-26, paying the same general rate of $1,519 per year.
Driving commute costs are similar: $803 per year from Chermside and $735 from Wavell Heights to Brisbane CBD.
Schools and risk profile
| Factor | Chermside | Wavell Heights |
|---|---|---|
| School score (ICSEA) | 4.0/10 | 4.0/10 |
| Nearest state primary | Wavell Heights State School | Wavell Heights State School |
| Nearest private school | Our Lady of the Angels' School | Our Lady of the Angels' School |
| Flood risk | Low | Low |
| Fire risk | Low | Medium |
School quality is similar in both suburbs. Chermside scores 4.0/10 and Wavell Heights scores 4.0/10 on the ICSEA scale. Nearest state primary schools are Wavell Heights State School and Wavell Heights State School respectively.
Chermside carries low flood risk and low fire risk. Wavell Heights has low flood risk and medium fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe and QFES mapping.
Who each suburb suits
- Buyers who want lower flood and fire risk
- Buyers watching costs: Wavell Heights saves $68 per year
- City commuters: 8.7 km to CBD vs 9.5 km
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to live in, Chermside or Wavell Heights?
Chermside and Wavell Heights are within $68 of each other annually for a house. At that margin, commute direction and school scores will drive the decision more than running cost.
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How far is Chermside from Brisbane CBD compared to Wavell Heights?
Chermside is 9.5 km from Brisbane CBD. Wavell Heights is 8.7 km from Brisbane CBD. Annual driving commute costs are $803 and $735 respectively, using the ATO 88 cents per kilometre rate over standard working days.
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Which suburb has better schools, Chermside or Wavell Heights?
Chermside rates higher on ICSEA school quality data at 4.0/10 versus 4.0/10 for Wavell Heights. The nearest state primary in Chermside is Wavell Heights State School; in Wavell Heights it is Wavell Heights State School. Source: ACARA ICSEA 2025.
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What are the flood and fire risks in Chermside versus Wavell Heights?
Chermside has low flood risk and low fire risk. Wavell Heights has low flood risk and medium fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe flood mapping and QFES bushfire prone land data.
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What are council rates in Chermside compared to Wavell Heights?
Annual council rates for a house in Chermside are $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). In Wavell Heights the rate is $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage charges add $1,824 in Chermside and $1,824 in Wavell Heights per year.
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Is Chermside or Wavell Heights better for families?
Chermside scores 4.0/10 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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