Paddington vs West End: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Paddington and West End are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 2.9 km and 2.4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Paddington
West End
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Paddington | West End | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $245 | $203 | +$42 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,950 | $2,900 | -$950 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,500 | $5,500 | -$2,000 |
| Total (driving) | $5,538 | $6,446 | -$908 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,485 | $6,435 | -$950 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Paddington vs West End (2025-26)
What the numbers show
Paddington costs $908 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,409 in favour of Paddington.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $950 per year. West End carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap shifts to $950 per year. Both suburbs pay a flat PT fare, so the difference in total PT cost reflects council rates and insurance rather than commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Paddington cumulative | West End cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $5,538 | $6,446 | $908 |
| Year 3 | $17,117 | $19,924 | $2,807 |
| Year 5 | $29,402 | $34,223 | $4,821 |
| Year 10 | $63,487 | $73,896 | $10,409 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paddington or West End cheaper to live in?
Paddington is cheaper to run by car at $5,538 per year versus $6,446 for West End — a difference of $908 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025-26 data.
What are council rates in Paddington and West End?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,519 in Paddington (Brisbane City Council 2025-26) and $1,519 in West End (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage adds $1,824 in Paddington and $1,824 in West End.
How does the commute cost compare between Paddington and West End?
Annual driving commute costs are $245 from Paddington and $203 from West End to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km, 220 working days). Public transport costs $192 from Paddington and $192 from West End.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Paddington and West End?
At 3% annual cost growth, Paddington costs a cumulative $63,487 and West End costs $73,896 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,409 in favour of Paddington. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Compare Paddington and West End in the tool
The SuburbCost comparison tool shows the full annual cost breakdown for both suburbs side by side. Toggle between driving and public transport to see which suburb comes out ahead for your commuting pattern.
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Sources: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate schedules 2025-26, Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater 2025-26, ATO 88c/km, SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2025.