Gaven vs Pacific Pines, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Gaven and Pacific Pines are both City of Gold Coast suburbs, sitting 5.4 km and 8 km from Gold Coast CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Gaven runs $906 a year cheaper than Pacific Pines, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $10,386.
Over 10 years, Gaven costs about $10,400 less to run than Pacific Pines. That's about $20 a week.
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Pacific Pines
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Gaven | Pacific Pines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,359 | $1,359 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $2,169 | $2,169 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $1,760 | $2,516 | -$756 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,950 | $2,100 | -$150 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $7,238 | $8,144 | -$906 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,670 | $5,820 | -$150 |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Gaven | Pacific Pines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown, Gaven vs Pacific Pines (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Gaven costs $906 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,386 in favour of Gaven.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $756 per year. Pacific Pines is 8 km from Gold Coast CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,670 and $5,820 a year, so the $906 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,359 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,169 a year.
- Driving commute favours Gaven by $756 a year, $1,760 against $2,516.
- Building insurance favours Gaven by $150 a year, $1,950 against $2,100.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Gaven cumulative | Pacific Pines cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,238 | $8,144 | $906 |
| Year 3 | $22,372 | $25,172 | $2,800 |
| Year 5 | $38,428 | $43,238 | $4,810 |
| Year 10 | $82,976 | $93,362 | $10,386 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gaven or Pacific Pines cheaper to live in?
Gaven is cheaper to run by car at $7,238 per year versus $8,144 for Pacific Pines, a difference of $906 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Gaven and Pacific Pines?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,359 in Gaven (City of Gold Coast) and $1,359 in Pacific Pines (City of Gold Coast). Water and sewerage adds $2,169 in Gaven and $2,169 in Pacific Pines. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Gaven and Pacific Pines?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,760 from Gaven and $2,516 from Pacific Pines to Gold Coast CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Gaven and $192 from Pacific Pines.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Gaven and Pacific Pines?
At 3% annual cost growth, Gaven costs a cumulative $82,976 and Pacific Pines costs $93,362 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,386 in favour of Gaven. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Gaven and Pacific Pines suits you better?
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Sources: City of Gold Coast and City of Gold Coast rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.