Margate vs Redcliffe: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Margate and Redcliffe are both Moreton Bay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 26.4 km and 28.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $193 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 →Margate
Redcliffe
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Margate | Redcliffe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,636 | $1,636 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,144 | $2,144 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,977 | $6,170 | -$193 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,800 | -$800 |
| Total (driving) | $11,657 | $11,850 | -$193 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,872 | $5,872 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Margate | Redcliffe | 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 — Margate vs Redcliffe (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Margate and Redcliffe cost within $193 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,213, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $193 per year. Redcliffe is 28.2 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,872 and $5,872 a year, so the $193 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Margate cumulative | Redcliffe cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,657 | $11,850 | $193 |
| Year 3 | $36,031 | $36,627 | $596 |
| Year 5 | $61,889 | $62,913 | $1,024 |
| Year 10 | $133,634 | $135,847 | $2,213 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Margate or Redcliffe cheaper to live in?
Margate is cheaper to run by car at $11,657 per year versus $11,850 for Redcliffe, a difference of $193 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Margate and Redcliffe?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,636 in Margate (Moreton Bay Regional Council) and $1,636 in Redcliffe (Moreton Bay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,144 in Margate and $2,144 in Redcliffe. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Margate and Redcliffe?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,977 from Margate and $6,170 from Redcliffe to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Margate and $192 from Redcliffe.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Margate and Redcliffe?
At 3% annual cost growth, Margate costs a cumulative $133,634 and Redcliffe costs $135,847 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,213 in favour of Margate. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Margate and Redcliffe 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.
Related comparisons
Sources: Moreton Bay Regional Council and Moreton Bay Regional 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.