Clayfield vs Nundah, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Clayfield and Nundah are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 6.3 km and 8.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $22 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.
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Nundah
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Clayfield | Nundah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $2,028 | $2,600 | -$572 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,150 | $1,600 | +$550 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $3,200 | $3,000 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $7,028 | $7,050 | -$22 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,192 | $4,642 | +$550 |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Clayfield | Nundah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown, Clayfield vs Nundah (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Clayfield and Nundah cost within $22 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $252, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $572 per year. Nundah is 8.3 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $550 per year, $5,192 from Clayfield versus $4,642 from Nundah.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $950 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Clayfield by $572 a year, $2,028 against $2,600.
- Building insurance favours Nundah by $550 a year, $1,600 against $2,150.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance and the insurance band.
The catchment state school scores 9.8 in Clayfield against 8.4 in Nundah, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Clayfield cumulative | Nundah cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,028 | $7,050 | $22 |
| Year 3 | $21,723 | $21,791 | $68 |
| Year 5 | $37,313 | $37,429 | $116 |
| Year 10 | $80,568 | $80,820 | $252 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Clayfield or Nundah cheaper to live in?
Clayfield is cheaper to run by car at $7,028 per year versus $7,050 for Nundah, a difference of $22 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Clayfield and Nundah?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Clayfield (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Nundah (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Clayfield and $1,900 in Nundah. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Clayfield and Nundah?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,028 from Clayfield and $2,600 from Nundah to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Clayfield and $192 from Nundah.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Clayfield and Nundah?
At 3% annual cost growth, Clayfield costs a cumulative $80,568 and Nundah costs $80,820 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $252 in favour of Clayfield. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Clayfield and Nundah suits you better?
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Sources: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.