Morningside vs Hawthorne
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 | Morningside | Hawthorne |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 |
| Annual commute (driving) | $431 | $287 |
| Home insurance (estimated) | $1,800 | $1,900 |
| Total annual cost | $5,574 | $5,530 |
| Distance to CBD | 5.1 km | 3.4 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: $431 per year from Morningside and $287 from Hawthorne to Brisbane CBD.
Schools and risk profile
| Factor | Morningside | Hawthorne |
|---|---|---|
| School score (ICSEA) | 7.7/10 | 7.7/10 |
| Nearest state primary | Morningside State School | Morningside State School |
| Nearest private school | St Oliver Plunkett School | Sts Peter and Paul's School |
| Flood risk | Low | Low |
| Fire risk | Medium | Low |
School quality is similar in both suburbs. Morningside scores 7.7/10 and Hawthorne scores 7.7/10 on the ICSEA scale. Nearest state primary schools are Morningside State School and Morningside State School respectively.
Morningside carries low flood risk and medium fire risk. Hawthorne has low flood risk and low fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe and QFES mapping.
Who each suburb suits
- Buyers drawn to Morningside's location relative to work and family
- Buyers watching costs: Hawthorne saves $44 per year
- City commuters: 3.4 km to CBD vs 5.1 km
- Buyers who want lower flood and fire risk
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to live in, Morningside or Hawthorne?
Morningside and Hawthorne are within $44 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 Morningside from Brisbane CBD compared to Hawthorne?
Morningside is 5.1 km from Brisbane CBD. Hawthorne is 3.4 km from Brisbane CBD. Annual driving commute costs are $431 and $287 respectively, using the ATO 88 cents per kilometre rate over standard working days.
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Which suburb has better schools, Morningside or Hawthorne?
Morningside rates higher on ICSEA school quality data at 7.7/10 versus 7.7/10 for Hawthorne. The nearest state primary in Morningside is Morningside State School; in Hawthorne it is Morningside State School. Source: ACARA ICSEA 2025.
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What are the flood and fire risks in Morningside versus Hawthorne?
Morningside has low flood risk and medium fire risk. Hawthorne 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 Morningside compared to Hawthorne?
Annual council rates for a house in Morningside are $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). In Hawthorne the rate is $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage charges add $1,824 in Morningside and $1,824 in Hawthorne per year.
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Is Morningside or Hawthorne better for families?
Morningside scores higher on schools at 7.7/10 versus 7.7/10. Hawthorne has lower combined flood and fire risk. Those two factors point in different directions for this pair.
Individual suburb profiles
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