Lutwyche vs Wooloowin, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Lutwyche and Wooloowin are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 5.4 km and 5.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $120 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, Lutwyche costs about $1,400 less to run than Wooloowin. That's about $3 a week.
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Wooloowin
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Lutwyche | Wooloowin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $1,760 | $1,880 | -$120 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,050 | $2,050 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $3,200 | $3,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $6,660 | $6,780 | -$120 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,092 | $5,092 | - |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Lutwyche | Wooloowin | 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, Lutwyche vs Wooloowin (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Lutwyche and Wooloowin cost within $120 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,376, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $120 per year. Wooloowin is 5.8 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,092 and $5,092 a year, so the $120 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $950 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Lutwyche by $120 a year, $1,760 against $1,880.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,050 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.
Flood risk is rated medium in Lutwyche against low in Wooloowin, which feeds the insurance estimate.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Lutwyche cumulative | Wooloowin cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,660 | $6,780 | $120 |
| Year 3 | $20,585 | $20,956 | $371 |
| Year 5 | $35,359 | $35,996 | $637 |
| Year 10 | $76,349 | $77,725 | $1,376 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lutwyche or Wooloowin cheaper to live in?
Lutwyche is cheaper to run by car at $6,660 per year versus $6,780 for Wooloowin, a difference of $120 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Lutwyche and Wooloowin?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Lutwyche (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Wooloowin (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Lutwyche and $1,900 in Wooloowin. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Lutwyche and Wooloowin?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,760 from Lutwyche and $1,880 from Wooloowin to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Lutwyche and $192 from Wooloowin.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Lutwyche and Wooloowin?
At 3% annual cost growth, Lutwyche costs a cumulative $76,349 and Wooloowin costs $77,725 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,376 in favour of Lutwyche. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Lutwyche and Wooloowin suits you better?
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Sources: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.