Manly vs Wynnum: 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 Wynnum are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 15.9 km and 14.4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $115 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 →Manly
Wynnum
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Manly | Wynnum | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,305 | $3,990 | +$315 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,900 | $2,100 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,684 | $9,569 | +$115 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,571 | $5,771 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Manly | Wynnum | 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 Wynnum (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Manly and Wynnum cost within $115 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,318, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $315 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 $200 per year, $5,571 from Manly versus $5,771 from Wynnum.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Manly cumulative | Wynnum cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,684 | $9,569 | $115 |
| Year 3 | $29,932 | $29,577 | $355 |
| Year 5 | $51,414 | $50,803 | $611 |
| Year 10 | $111,016 | $109,698 | $1,318 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Manly or Wynnum cheaper to live in?
Wynnum is cheaper to run by car at $9,569 per year versus $9,684 for Manly, a difference of $115 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Manly and Wynnum?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Manly (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Wynnum (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Manly and $1,900 in Wynnum. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Manly and Wynnum?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,305 from Manly and $3,990 from Wynnum to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Manly and $192 from Wynnum.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Manly and Wynnum?
At 3% annual cost growth, Manly costs a cumulative $111,016 and Wynnum costs $109,698 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,318 in favour of Wynnum. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Manly and Wynnum 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.