Maudsland vs Pacific Pines: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Maudsland and Pacific Pines are both City of Gold Coast suburbs, sitting 11.4 km and 8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Pacific Pines runs $770 a year cheaper than Maudsland, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $8,827.
Over 10 years, Pacific Pines costs about $8,800 less to run than Maudsland — the same as paying $8,800 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Pacific Pines
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Maudsland | Pacific Pines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,359 | $1,359 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,169 | $2,169 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,303 | $2,433 | +$870 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $3,100 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,800 | -$600 |
| Total (driving) | $9,831 | $9,061 | +$770 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,720 | $6,820 | -$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Maudsland | Pacific Pines | 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 — Maudsland vs Pacific Pines (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Pacific Pines costs $770 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $8,827 in favour of Pacific Pines.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $870 per year. Maudsland is 11.4 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, $6,720 and $6,820 a year, so the $770 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Maudsland cumulative | Pacific Pines cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,831 | $9,061 | $770 |
| Year 3 | $30,387 | $28,007 | $2,380 |
| Year 5 | $52,194 | $48,106 | $4,088 |
| Year 10 | $112,701 | $103,874 | $8,827 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Maudsland or Pacific Pines cheaper to live in?
Pacific Pines is cheaper to run by car at $9,061 per year versus $9,831 for Maudsland, a difference of $770 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Maudsland and Pacific Pines?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,359 in Maudsland (City of Gold Coast) and $1,359 in Pacific Pines (City of Gold Coast). Water and sewerage adds $2,169 in Maudsland and $2,169 in Pacific Pines. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Maudsland and Pacific Pines?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,303 from Maudsland and $2,433 from Pacific Pines to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Maudsland and $192 from Pacific Pines.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Maudsland and Pacific Pines?
At 3% annual cost growth, Maudsland costs a cumulative $112,701 and Pacific Pines costs $103,874 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $8,827 in favour of Pacific Pines. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Maudsland and Pacific Pines 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: City of Gold Coast and City of Gold Coast 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.