Merrimac vs Robina: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Merrimac and Robina are both City of Gold Coast suburbs, sitting 8.2 km and 10.5 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Robina runs $2,105 a year cheaper than Merrimac, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $24,132.
Over 10 years, Robina costs about $24,100 less to run than Merrimac — the same as paying $24,100 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Robina
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Merrimac | Robina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,359 | $1,359 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,169 | $2,169 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,487 | $3,082 | -$595 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $2,100 | +$2,700 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,000 | $2,800 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $10,815 | $8,710 | +$2,105 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,520 | $5,820 | +$2,700 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Merrimac | Robina | 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 — Merrimac vs Robina (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Robina costs $2,105 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $24,132 in favour of Robina.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $2,700 per year. Merrimac carries high flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap is $2,700 per year, $8,520 from Merrimac versus $5,820 from Robina.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Merrimac cumulative | Robina cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,815 | $8,710 | $2,105 |
| Year 3 | $33,428 | $26,922 | $6,506 |
| Year 5 | $57,418 | $46,243 | $11,175 |
| Year 10 | $123,982 | $99,850 | $24,132 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Merrimac or Robina cheaper to live in?
Robina is cheaper to run by car at $8,710 per year versus $10,815 for Merrimac, a difference of $2,105 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Merrimac and Robina?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,359 in Merrimac (City of Gold Coast) and $1,359 in Robina (City of Gold Coast). Water and sewerage adds $2,169 in Merrimac and $2,169 in Robina. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Merrimac and Robina?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,487 from Merrimac and $3,082 from Robina to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Merrimac and $192 from Robina.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Merrimac and Robina?
At 3% annual cost growth, Merrimac costs a cumulative $123,982 and Robina costs $99,850 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $24,132 in favour of Robina. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Merrimac and Robina 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: 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.