East Brisbane 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
East Brisbane and Woolloongabba are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 2.6 km and 2.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $137 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 →East Brisbane
Woolloongabba
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | East Brisbane | Woolloongabba | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $850 | $913 | -$63 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,900 | $1,700 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $5,000 | $5,200 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $6,229 | $6,092 | +$137 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,571 | $5,371 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | East Brisbane | 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 — East Brisbane vs Woolloongabba (2026-27)
What the numbers show
East Brisbane and Woolloongabba cost within $137 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,571, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $200 per year. East Brisbane carries high flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $5,571 from East Brisbane versus $5,371 from Woolloongabba.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | East Brisbane cumulative | Woolloongabba cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,229 | $6,092 | $137 |
| Year 3 | $19,253 | $18,830 | $423 |
| Year 5 | $33,071 | $32,343 | $728 |
| Year 10 | $71,409 | $69,838 | $1,571 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is East Brisbane or Woolloongabba cheaper to live in?
Woolloongabba is cheaper to run by car at $6,092 per year versus $6,229 for East Brisbane, a difference of $137 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in East Brisbane and Woolloongabba?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in East Brisbane (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Woolloongabba (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in East Brisbane 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 East Brisbane and Woolloongabba?
Annual driving commute costs are $850 from East Brisbane and $913 from Woolloongabba to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from East Brisbane and $192 from Woolloongabba.
What is the 10-year cost difference between East Brisbane and Woolloongabba?
At 3% annual cost growth, East Brisbane costs a cumulative $71,409 and Woolloongabba costs $69,838 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,571 in favour of Woolloongabba. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of East Brisbane 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.