Wynnum vs Manly: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Wynnum and Manly are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 14.4 km and 15.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Wynnum
Manly
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Wynnum | Manly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,217 | $1,343 | -$126 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,100 | $1,900 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $6,660 | $6,586 | +$74 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,635 | $5,435 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Wynnum vs Manly (2025-26)
What the numbers show
Wynnum and Manly cost within $74 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $848, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $200 per year.
On public transport the gap shifts to $200 per year. Both suburbs pay a flat PT fare, so the difference in total PT cost reflects council rates and insurance rather than commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Wynnum cumulative | Manly cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,660 | $6,586 | $74 |
| Year 3 | $20,585 | $20,357 | $228 |
| Year 5 | $35,359 | $34,966 | $393 |
| Year 10 | $76,349 | $75,501 | $848 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wynnum or Manly cheaper to live in?
Manly is cheaper to run by car at $6,586 per year versus $6,660 for Wynnum — a difference of $74 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025-26 data.
What are council rates in Wynnum and Manly?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,519 in Wynnum (Brisbane City Council 2025-26) and $1,519 in Manly (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage adds $1,824 in Wynnum and $1,824 in Manly.
How does the commute cost compare between Wynnum and Manly?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,217 from Wynnum and $1,343 from Manly to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km, 220 working days). Public transport costs $192 from Wynnum and $192 from Manly.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Wynnum and Manly?
At 3% annual cost growth, Wynnum costs a cumulative $76,349 and Manly costs $75,501 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $848 in favour of Manly. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Compare Wynnum and Manly in the tool
The SuburbCost comparison tool shows the full annual cost breakdown for both suburbs side by side. Toggle between driving and public transport to see which suburb comes out ahead for your commuting pattern.
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Sources: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate schedules 2025-26, Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater 2025-26, ATO 88c/km, SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2025.