Manly vs Manly West: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Manly and Manly West are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 15.9 km and 14 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $2 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.
Manly
Manly West
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Manly | Manly West | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,305 | $3,903 | +$402 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,900 | $2,300 | -$400 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,600 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $9,684 | $9,682 | +$2 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,571 | $5,971 | -$400 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Manly | Manly West | 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 — Manly vs Manly West (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Manly and Manly West cost within $2 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $23, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $402 per year. Manly is 15.9 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $400 per year, $5,571 from Manly versus $5,971 from Manly West.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Manly cumulative | Manly West cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,684 | $9,682 | $2 |
| Year 3 | $29,932 | $29,926 | $6 |
| Year 5 | $51,414 | $51,403 | $11 |
| Year 10 | $111,016 | $110,993 | $23 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Manly or Manly West cheaper to live in?
Manly West is cheaper to run by car at $9,682 per year versus $9,684 for Manly, a difference of $2 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Manly and Manly West?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Manly (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Manly West (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Manly and $1,900 in Manly West. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Manly and Manly West?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,305 from Manly and $3,903 from Manly West to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Manly and $192 from Manly West.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Manly and Manly West?
At 3% annual cost growth, Manly costs a cumulative $111,016 and Manly West costs $110,993 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $23 in favour of Manly West. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Manly and Manly West 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: 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.