Highgate Hill vs South Brisbane: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Highgate Hill and South Brisbane are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 2.1 km and 1.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $224 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 →Highgate Hill
South Brisbane
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Highgate Hill | South Brisbane | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $691 | $367 | +$324 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,800 | $1,900 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $4,800 | $5,500 | -$700 |
| Total (driving) | $5,970 | $5,746 | +$224 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,471 | $5,571 | -$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Highgate Hill | South Brisbane | 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 — Highgate Hill vs South Brisbane (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Highgate Hill and South Brisbane cost within $224 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,568, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $324 per year. Highgate Hill is 2.1 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,471 and $5,571 a year, so the $224 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Highgate Hill cumulative | South Brisbane cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $5,970 | $5,746 | $224 |
| Year 3 | $18,453 | $17,760 | $693 |
| Year 5 | $31,696 | $30,506 | $1,190 |
| Year 10 | $68,439 | $65,871 | $2,568 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Highgate Hill or South Brisbane cheaper to live in?
South Brisbane is cheaper to run by car at $5,746 per year versus $5,970 for Highgate Hill, a difference of $224 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Highgate Hill and South Brisbane?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Highgate Hill (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in South Brisbane (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Highgate Hill and $1,900 in South Brisbane. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Highgate Hill and South Brisbane?
Annual driving commute costs are $691 from Highgate Hill and $367 from South Brisbane to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Highgate Hill and $192 from South Brisbane.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Highgate Hill and South Brisbane?
At 3% annual cost growth, Highgate Hill costs a cumulative $68,439 and South Brisbane costs $65,871 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,568 in favour of South Brisbane. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Highgate Hill and South Brisbane 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.