Clifton Beach vs Kewarra Beach: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Clifton Beach and Kewarra Beach are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 20.3 km and 18.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Kewarra Beach runs $386 a year cheaper than Clifton Beach, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $4,425.
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 →Clifton Beach
Kewarra Beach
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Clifton Beach | Kewarra Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,165 | $1,165 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,119 | $4,733 | +$386 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,800 | $6,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $2,800 | -$1,000 |
| Total (driving) | $14,849 | $14,463 | +$386 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,922 | $9,922 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Clifton Beach | Kewarra Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,218 | $2,218 | - |
| Unit | $1,773 | $1,773 | - |
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 — Clifton Beach vs Kewarra Beach (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kewarra Beach costs $386 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $4,425 in favour of Kewarra Beach.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $386 per year. Clifton Beach is 20.3 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $9,922 and $9,922 a year, so the $386 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Clifton Beach cumulative | Kewarra Beach cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $14,849 | $14,463 | $386 |
| Year 3 | $45,897 | $44,704 | $1,193 |
| Year 5 | $78,835 | $76,786 | $2,049 |
| Year 10 | $170,227 | $165,802 | $4,425 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Clifton Beach or Kewarra Beach cheaper to live in?
Kewarra Beach is cheaper to run by car at $14,463 per year versus $14,849 for Clifton Beach, a difference of $386 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Clifton Beach and Kewarra Beach?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,165 in Clifton Beach (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,165 in Kewarra Beach (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Clifton Beach and $1,765 in Kewarra Beach. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Clifton Beach and Kewarra Beach?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,119 from Clifton Beach and $4,733 from Kewarra Beach to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Clifton Beach and $192 from Kewarra Beach.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Clifton Beach and Kewarra Beach?
At 3% annual cost growth, Clifton Beach costs a cumulative $170,227 and Kewarra Beach costs $165,802 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $4,425 in favour of Kewarra Beach. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Clifton Beach and Kewarra Beach 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.
Related comparisons
Sources: Cairns Regional Council and Cairns Regional 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.