Priestdale vs Sheldon: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Priestdale (Logan City Council) and Sheldon (Redland City Council) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Brisbane CBD (20.5 km and 21.5 km).
The two sit within $62 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 →Priestdale
Sheldon
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Priestdale | Sheldon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,699 | $1,436 | +$263 |
| Water & sewerage | $2,149 | $2,308 | -$159 |
| Commute (driving) | $5,328 | $5,494 | -$166 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,900 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $2,600 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $12,076 | $12,138 | -$62 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,940 | $6,836 | +$104 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Priestdale | Sheldon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Priestdale vs Sheldon (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Priestdale and Sheldon cost within $62 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $711, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $263 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,940 and $6,836 a year, so the $62 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates favours Sheldon by $263 a year, $1,436 against $1,699.
- Water and sewerage favours Priestdale by $159 a year, $2,149 against $2,308.
- Driving commute favours Priestdale by $166 a year, $5,328 against $5,494.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,900 a year.
They sit in different council areas, so the rates line is set by two different councils. For QLD that figure is the minimum residential general rate for an owner-occupied principal place of residence, a floor rather than a typical bill.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Priestdale cumulative | Sheldon cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,076 | $12,138 | $62 |
| Year 3 | $37,326 | $37,517 | $191 |
| Year 5 | $64,113 | $64,442 | $329 |
| Year 10 | $138,438 | $139,149 | $711 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Priestdale or Sheldon cheaper to live in?
Priestdale is cheaper to run by car at $12,076 per year versus $12,138 for Sheldon, a difference of $62 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Priestdale and Sheldon?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,699 in Priestdale (Logan City Council) and $1,436 in Sheldon (Redland City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,149 in Priestdale and $2,308 in Sheldon. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Priestdale and Sheldon?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,328 from Priestdale and $5,494 from Sheldon to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Priestdale and $192 from Sheldon.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Priestdale and Sheldon?
At 3% annual cost growth, Priestdale costs a cumulative $138,438 and Sheldon costs $139,149 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $711 in favour of Priestdale. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Priestdale and Sheldon 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: Logan City Council and Redland City Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.