Manly West vs Manly
Annual running cost comparison for Brisbane home buyers · 2025–26 data
Data updated July 2025 · Council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance
Annual running cost breakdown
| Cost component | Manly West | Manly |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 |
| Annual commute (driving) | $1,183 | $1,343 |
| Home insurance (estimated) | $2,300 | $1,900 |
| Total annual cost | $6,826 | $6,586 |
| Distance to CBD | 14 km | 15.9 km |
Teal = lower cost. Council rates from Brisbane City Council 2025-26 and Brisbane City Council 2025-26. Commute uses ATO 88c/km over ABS annual kilometres by location class. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown detail
Both suburbs fall under Brisbane City Council 2025-26, paying the same general rate of $1,519 per year.
Driving commute costs are similar: $1,183 per year from Manly West and $1,343 from Manly to Brisbane CBD.
Schools and risk profile
| Factor | Manly West | Manly |
|---|---|---|
| School score (ICSEA) | 6.5/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Nearest state primary | Wondall Heights State School | Manly State School |
| Nearest private school | St John Vianney's Primary School | St John Vianney's Primary School |
| Flood risk | Low | Low |
| Fire risk | Medium | Low |
Manly has the stronger school profile at 8.6/10 versus 6.5/10 for Manly West (ICSEA scale, higher = better). Nearest state primaries: Wondall Heights State School (Manly West) and Manly State School (Manly).
Manly West carries low flood risk and medium fire risk. Manly has low flood risk and low fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe and QFES mapping.
Who each suburb suits
- City commuters: 14 km to CBD vs 15.9 km
- Buyers watching costs: Manly saves $240 per year
- Families prioritising school scores: 8.6/10
- Buyers who want lower flood and fire risk
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to live in, Manly West or Manly?
Manly West and Manly are within $240 of each other annually for a house. At that margin, commute direction and school scores will drive the decision more than running cost.
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How far is Manly West from Brisbane CBD compared to Manly?
Manly West is 14 km from Brisbane CBD. Manly is 15.9 km from Brisbane CBD. Annual driving commute costs are $1,183 and $1,343 respectively, using the ATO 88 cents per kilometre rate over standard working days.
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Which suburb has better schools, Manly West or Manly?
Manly rates higher on ICSEA school quality data at 8.6/10 versus 6.5/10 for Manly West. The nearest state primary in Manly West is Wondall Heights State School; in Manly it is Manly State School. Source: ACARA ICSEA 2025.
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What are the flood and fire risks in Manly West versus Manly?
Manly West has low flood risk and medium fire risk. Manly has low flood risk and low fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe flood mapping and QFES bushfire prone land data.
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What are council rates in Manly West compared to Manly?
Annual council rates for a house in Manly West are $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). In Manly the rate is $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage charges add $1,824 in Manly West and $1,824 in Manly per year.
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Is Manly West or Manly better for families?
Manly scores 8.6/10 on schools and has lower flood and fire risk. For families running both checks, it wins on both counts.
Individual suburb profiles
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