Red Hill vs Paddington
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 | Red Hill | Paddington |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 |
| Annual commute (driving) | $253 | $245 |
| Home insurance (estimated) | $1,800 | $1,950 |
| Total annual cost | $5,396 | $5,538 |
| Distance to CBD | 3 km | 2.9 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: $253 per year from Red Hill and $245 from Paddington to Brisbane CBD.
Schools and risk profile
| Factor | Red Hill | Paddington |
|---|---|---|
| School score (ICSEA) | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Nearest state primary | Ithaca Creek State School | Milton State School |
| Nearest private school | St Finbarr's School | St Finbarr's School |
| Flood risk | Low | Low |
| Fire risk | Low | Medium |
Red Hill has the stronger school profile at 9.8/10 versus 9.5/10 for Paddington (ICSEA scale, higher = better). Nearest state primaries: Ithaca Creek State School (Red Hill) and Milton State School (Paddington).
Red Hill carries low flood risk and low fire risk. Paddington has low flood risk and medium fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe and QFES mapping.
Who each suburb suits
- Buyers watching costs: Red Hill saves $142 per year
- Families prioritising school scores: 9.8/10
- Buyers who want lower flood and fire risk
- City commuters: 2.9 km to CBD vs 3 km
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to live in, Red Hill or Paddington?
Red Hill and Paddington are within $142 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 Red Hill from Brisbane CBD compared to Paddington?
Red Hill is 3 km from Brisbane CBD. Paddington is 2.9 km from Brisbane CBD. Annual driving commute costs are $253 and $245 respectively, using the ATO 88 cents per kilometre rate over standard working days.
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Which suburb has better schools, Red Hill or Paddington?
Red Hill rates higher on ICSEA school quality data at 9.8/10 versus 9.5/10 for Paddington. The nearest state primary in Red Hill is Ithaca Creek State School; in Paddington it is Milton State School. Source: ACARA ICSEA 2025.
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What are the flood and fire risks in Red Hill versus Paddington?
Red Hill has low flood risk and low fire risk. Paddington has low flood risk and medium fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe flood mapping and QFES bushfire prone land data.
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What are council rates in Red Hill compared to Paddington?
Annual council rates for a house in Red Hill are $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). In Paddington the rate is $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage charges add $1,824 in Red Hill and $1,824 in Paddington per year.
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Is Red Hill or Paddington better for families?
Red Hill scores 9.8/10 on schools and has lower flood and fire risk. For families running both checks, it wins on both counts.
Individual suburb profiles
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