Gumdale vs Wakerley: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Gumdale and Wakerley are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 13.4 km and 13.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $145 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 →Gumdale
Wakerley
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Gumdale | Wakerley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,770 | $3,725 | +$45 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,800 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $2,800 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $10,149 | $10,004 | +$145 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,571 | $6,471 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Gumdale | Wakerley | 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 — Gumdale vs Wakerley (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Gumdale and Wakerley cost within $145 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,662, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $100 per year. Gumdale carries high flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,571 and $6,471 a year, so the $145 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Gumdale cumulative | Wakerley cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,149 | $10,004 | $145 |
| Year 3 | $31,370 | $30,921 | $449 |
| Year 5 | $53,882 | $53,113 | $769 |
| Year 10 | $116,347 | $114,685 | $1,662 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gumdale or Wakerley cheaper to live in?
Wakerley is cheaper to run by car at $10,004 per year versus $10,149 for Gumdale, a difference of $145 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Gumdale and Wakerley?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Gumdale (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Wakerley (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Gumdale and $1,900 in Wakerley. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Gumdale and Wakerley?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,770 from Gumdale and $3,725 from Wakerley to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Gumdale and $192 from Wakerley.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Gumdale and Wakerley?
At 3% annual cost growth, Gumdale costs a cumulative $116,347 and Wakerley costs $114,685 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,662 in favour of Wakerley. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Gumdale and Wakerley 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.