Dutton Park vs Woolloongabba: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Dutton Park and Woolloongabba are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 2.8 km and 2.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Woolloongabba runs $1,200 a year cheaper than Dutton Park, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $13,757.
Over 10 years, Woolloongabba costs about $13,800 less to run than Dutton Park — the same as paying $13,800 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Woolloongabba
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Dutton Park | Woolloongabba | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $913 | $913 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $1,700 | +$1,200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $4,800 | $5,200 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $7,292 | $6,092 | +$1,200 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,571 | $5,371 | +$1,200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Dutton Park | Woolloongabba | 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 — Dutton Park vs Woolloongabba (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Woolloongabba costs $1,200 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $13,757 in favour of Woolloongabba.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $1,200 per year.
On public transport the gap is $1,200 per year, $6,571 from Dutton Park versus $5,371 from Woolloongabba.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Dutton Park cumulative | Woolloongabba cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,292 | $6,092 | $1,200 |
| Year 3 | $22,539 | $18,830 | $3,709 |
| Year 5 | $38,714 | $32,343 | $6,371 |
| Year 10 | $83,595 | $69,838 | $13,757 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dutton Park or Woolloongabba cheaper to live in?
Woolloongabba is cheaper to run by car at $6,092 per year versus $7,292 for Dutton Park, a difference of $1,200 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Dutton Park and Woolloongabba?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Dutton Park (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Woolloongabba (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Dutton Park and $1,900 in Woolloongabba. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Dutton Park and Woolloongabba?
Annual driving commute costs are $913 from Dutton Park and $913 from Woolloongabba to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Dutton Park and $192 from Woolloongabba.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Dutton Park and Woolloongabba?
At 3% annual cost growth, Dutton Park costs a cumulative $83,595 and Woolloongabba costs $69,838 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $13,757 in favour of Woolloongabba. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Dutton Park and Woolloongabba 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.