Cleveland vs Thornlands: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Cleveland and Thornlands are both Redland City Council suburbs, sitting 24.9 km and 25.7 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $103 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. The difference here isn't money — it's location, schools and lifestyle.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →Cleveland
Thornlands
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cleveland | Thornlands | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,436 | $1,436 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,308 | $2,308 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,993 | $6,096 | -$103 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,900 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,600 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $12,637 | $12,740 | -$103 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,836 | $6,836 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Cleveland | Thornlands | 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 — Cleveland vs Thornlands (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Cleveland and Thornlands cost within $103 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,181, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $103 per year. Thornlands is 25.7 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,836 and $6,836 a year, so the $103 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,436 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,308 a year.
- Driving commute favours Cleveland by $103 a year, $5,993 against $6,096.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,900 a year.
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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Cleveland cumulative | Thornlands cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,637 | $12,740 | $103 |
| Year 3 | $39,060 | $39,378 | $318 |
| Year 5 | $67,092 | $67,638 | $546 |
| Year 10 | $144,869 | $146,050 | $1,181 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cleveland or Thornlands cheaper to live in?
Cleveland is cheaper to run by car at $12,637 per year versus $12,740 for Thornlands, a difference of $103 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Cleveland and Thornlands?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,436 in Cleveland (Redland City Council) and $1,436 in Thornlands (Redland City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,308 in Cleveland and $2,308 in Thornlands. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Cleveland and Thornlands?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,993 from Cleveland and $6,096 from Thornlands to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Cleveland and $192 from Thornlands.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Cleveland and Thornlands?
At 3% annual cost growth, Cleveland costs a cumulative $144,869 and Thornlands costs $146,050 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,181 in favour of Cleveland. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Cleveland and Thornlands 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.
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Sources: Redland City Council and Redland City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.