Cleveland vs Wynnum: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Cleveland (Redland City Council) and Wynnum (Brisbane City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (24.9 km and 14.4 km).
Cleveland
Wynnum
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cleveland | Wynnum | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $2,485 | $1,519 | +$966 |
| Water & sewerage | $2,037 | $1,824 | +$213 |
| Commute (driving) | $11,880 | $1,217 | +$10,663 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,100 | +$800 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $19,302 | $6,660 | +$12,642 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,614 | $5,635 | +$1,979 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Cleveland vs Wynnum (2025-26)
What the numbers show
Wynnum costs $12,642 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $144,927 in favour of Wynnum.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $10,663 per year. Cleveland is 24.9 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap shifts to $1,979 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 | Cleveland cumulative | Wynnum cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $19,302 | $6,660 | $12,642 |
| Year 3 | $59,661 | $20,585 | $39,076 |
| Year 5 | $102,477 | $35,359 | $67,118 |
| Year 10 | $221,276 | $76,349 | $144,927 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cleveland or Wynnum cheaper to live in?
Wynnum is cheaper to run by car at $6,660 per year versus $19,302 for Cleveland — a difference of $12,642 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025-26 data.
What are council rates in Cleveland and Wynnum?
Annual council rates for a house are $2,485 in Cleveland (Redland City Council 2025-26) and $1,519 in Wynnum (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage adds $2,037 in Cleveland and $1,824 in Wynnum.
How does the commute cost compare between Cleveland and Wynnum?
Annual driving commute costs are $11,880 from Cleveland and $1,217 from Wynnum to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km, 220 working days). Public transport costs $192 from Cleveland and $192 from Wynnum.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Cleveland and Wynnum?
At 3% annual cost growth, Cleveland costs a cumulative $221,276 and Wynnum costs $76,349 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $144,927 in favour of Wynnum. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Compare Cleveland and Wynnum 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: Redland City Council and Brisbane City Council rate schedules 2025-26, Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater 2025-26, ATO 88c/km, SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2025.