Cleveland vs Wynnum: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
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).
Wynnum runs $2,870 a year cheaper than Cleveland, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $32,901.
Over 10 years, Wynnum costs about $32,900 less to run than Cleveland — the same as paying $32,900 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Wynnum
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cleveland | Wynnum | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,436 | $1,579 | -$143 |
| Water & sewerage | $2,308 | $1,900 | +$408 |
| Commute (driving) | $5,795 | $3,990 | +$1,805 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,100 | +$800 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,439 | $9,569 | +$2,870 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,836 | $5,771 | +$1,065 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Cleveland | Wynnum | 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 — Cleveland vs Wynnum (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Wynnum costs $2,870 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $32,901 in favour of Wynnum.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $1,805 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 is $1,065 per year, $6,836 from Cleveland versus $5,771 from Wynnum.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Cleveland cumulative | Wynnum cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,439 | $9,569 | $2,870 |
| Year 3 | $38,448 | $29,577 | $8,871 |
| Year 5 | $66,040 | $50,803 | $15,237 |
| Year 10 | $142,599 | $109,698 | $32,901 |
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 $9,569 per year versus $12,439 for Cleveland, a difference of $2,870 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Cleveland and Wynnum?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,436 in Cleveland (Redland City Council) and $1,579 in Wynnum (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,308 in Cleveland and $1,900 in Wynnum. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Cleveland and Wynnum?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,795 from Cleveland and $3,990 from Wynnum to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). 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 $142,599 and Wynnum costs $109,698 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $32,901 in favour of Wynnum. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Cleveland and Wynnum 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 Brisbane City Council 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.