Paddington vs Red Hill: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Paddington and Red Hill are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 2.9 km and 3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $118 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 →Paddington
Red Hill
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Paddington | Red Hill | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $944 | $976 | -$32 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,950 | $1,800 | +$150 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,500 | $3,800 | -$300 |
| Total (driving) | $6,373 | $6,255 | +$118 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,621 | $5,471 | +$150 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Paddington | Red Hill | 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 — Paddington vs Red Hill (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Paddington and Red Hill cost within $118 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,352, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $150 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,621 and $5,471 a year, so the $118 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Paddington cumulative | Red Hill cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,373 | $6,255 | $118 |
| Year 3 | $19,698 | $19,334 | $364 |
| Year 5 | $33,835 | $33,209 | $626 |
| Year 10 | $73,059 | $71,707 | $1,352 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paddington or Red Hill cheaper to live in?
Red Hill is cheaper to run by car at $6,255 per year versus $6,373 for Paddington, a difference of $118 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Paddington and Red Hill?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Paddington (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Red Hill (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Paddington and $1,900 in Red Hill. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Paddington and Red Hill?
Annual driving commute costs are $944 from Paddington and $976 from Red Hill to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Paddington and $192 from Red Hill.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Paddington and Red Hill?
At 3% annual cost growth, Paddington costs a cumulative $73,059 and Red Hill costs $71,707 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,352 in favour of Red Hill. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Paddington and Red Hill 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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City 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.