Highfields vs Woolmer: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Highfields and Woolmer are both Toowoomba Regional Council suburbs, sitting 10.6 km and 12.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $280 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 →Highfields
Woolmer
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Highfields | Woolmer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,444 | $1,444 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,188 | $2,188 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,107 | $3,587 | -$480 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,100 | $1,900 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,200 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $8,839 | $9,119 | -$280 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,924 | $5,724 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Highfields | Woolmer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,115 | $2,115 | - |
| Unit | $1,696 | $1,696 | - |
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 — Highfields vs Woolmer (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Highfields and Woolmer cost within $280 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,210, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $480 per year. Woolmer is 12.6 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, $5,924 from Highfields versus $5,724 from Woolmer.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Highfields cumulative | Woolmer cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,839 | $9,119 | $280 |
| Year 3 | $27,320 | $28,186 | $866 |
| Year 5 | $46,927 | $48,414 | $1,487 |
| Year 10 | $101,329 | $104,539 | $3,210 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Highfields or Woolmer cheaper to live in?
Highfields is cheaper to run by car at $8,839 per year versus $9,119 for Woolmer, a difference of $280 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Highfields and Woolmer?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,444 in Highfields (Toowoomba Regional Council) and $1,444 in Woolmer (Toowoomba Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,188 in Highfields and $2,188 in Woolmer. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Highfields and Woolmer?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,107 from Highfields and $3,587 from Woolmer to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Highfields and $192 from Woolmer.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Highfields and Woolmer?
At 3% annual cost growth, Highfields costs a cumulative $101,329 and Woolmer costs $104,539 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,210 in favour of Highfields. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Highfields and Woolmer 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: Toowoomba Regional Council and Toowoomba Regional 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.