Gilston vs Worongary: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Gilston and Worongary are both City of Gold Coast suburbs, sitting 9.8 km and 8.5 km from Gold Coast CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Worongary runs $350 a year cheaper than Gilston, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $4,013.
Over 10 years these two cost about the same to run. The difference here isn't money — it's location, schools and lifestyle.
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Worongary
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Gilston | Worongary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,359 | $1,359 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,169 | $2,169 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,005 | $2,655 | +$350 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,400 | $3,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,933 | $9,583 | +$350 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,120 | $7,120 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Gilston | Worongary | 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 — Gilston vs Worongary (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Worongary costs $350 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $4,013 in favour of Worongary.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $350 per year. Gilston is 9.8 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, $7,120 and $7,120 a year, so the $350 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 Worongary by $350 a year, $2,655 against $3,005.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,400 a year.
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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Gilston cumulative | Worongary cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,933 | $9,583 | $350 |
| Year 3 | $30,702 | $29,620 | $1,082 |
| Year 5 | $52,736 | $50,877 | $1,859 |
| Year 10 | $113,871 | $109,858 | $4,013 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gilston or Worongary cheaper to live in?
Worongary is cheaper to run by car at $9,583 per year versus $9,933 for Gilston, a difference of $350 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Gilston and Worongary?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,359 in Gilston (City of Gold Coast) and $1,359 in Worongary (City of Gold Coast). Water and sewerage adds $2,169 in Gilston and $2,169 in Worongary. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Gilston and Worongary?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,005 from Gilston and $2,655 from Worongary to Gold Coast CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Gilston and $192 from Worongary.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Gilston and Worongary?
At 3% annual cost growth, Gilston costs a cumulative $113,871 and Worongary costs $109,858 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $4,013 in favour of Worongary. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Gilston and Worongary 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.