Durack vs Willawong: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Durack and Willawong are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 13.8 km and 14.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $212 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 →Durack
Willawong
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Durack | Willawong | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,859 | $3,947 | -$88 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $2,700 | +$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,400 | -$100 |
| Total (driving) | $10,338 | $10,126 | +$212 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,671 | $6,371 | +$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Durack | Willawong | 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 — Durack vs Willawong (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Durack and Willawong cost within $212 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,431, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $300 per year.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $6,671 from Durack versus $6,371 from Willawong.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Durack cumulative | Willawong cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,338 | $10,126 | $212 |
| Year 3 | $31,954 | $31,298 | $656 |
| Year 5 | $54,886 | $53,760 | $1,126 |
| Year 10 | $118,514 | $116,083 | $2,431 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Durack or Willawong cheaper to live in?
Willawong is cheaper to run by car at $10,126 per year versus $10,338 for Durack, a difference of $212 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Durack and Willawong?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Durack (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Willawong (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Durack and $1,900 in Willawong. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Durack and Willawong?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,859 from Durack and $3,947 from Willawong to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Durack and $192 from Willawong.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Durack and Willawong?
At 3% annual cost growth, Durack costs a cumulative $118,514 and Willawong costs $116,083 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,431 in favour of Willawong. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Durack and Willawong 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: Brisbane 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.