Gaven vs Pacific Pines: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/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 Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Gaven runs $931 a year cheaper than Pacific Pines, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $10,673.
Over 10 years, Gaven costs about $10,700 less to run than Pacific Pines — the same as paying $10,700 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Pacific Pines
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Gaven | Pacific Pines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,359 | $1,359 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,169 | $2,169 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,702 | $2,433 | -$731 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,100 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,130 | $9,061 | -$931 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,620 | $6,820 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Gaven | Pacific Pines | 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 — Gaven vs Pacific Pines (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Gaven costs $931 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,673 in favour of Gaven.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $731 per year. Pacific Pines is 8 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $6,620 from Gaven versus $6,820 from Pacific Pines.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Gaven cumulative | Pacific Pines cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,130 | $9,061 | $931 |
| Year 3 | $25,129 | $28,007 | $2,878 |
| Year 5 | $43,163 | $48,106 | $4,943 |
| Year 10 | $93,201 | $103,874 | $10,673 |
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 $8,130 per year versus $9,061 for Pacific Pines, a difference of $931 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/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 $1,702 from Gaven and $2,433 from Pacific Pines to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/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 $93,201 and Pacific Pines costs $103,874 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,673 in favour of Gaven. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Gaven and Pacific Pines 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.
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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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.