Redcliffe vs Scarborough: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Redcliffe and Scarborough are both Moreton Bay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 28.2 km and 30.7 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Redcliffe runs $331 a year cheaper than Scarborough, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,794.
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 →Redcliffe
Scarborough
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Redcliffe | Scarborough | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,309 | $1,309 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,144 | $2,144 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,380 | $6,611 | -$231 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,900 | $2,000 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,733 | $12,064 | -$331 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,545 | $5,645 | -$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Redcliffe | Scarborough | 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 — Redcliffe vs Scarborough (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Redcliffe costs $331 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,794 in favour of Redcliffe.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $231 per year. Scarborough is 30.7 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,545 and $5,645 a year, so the $331 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,309 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,144 a year.
- Driving commute favours Redcliffe by $231 a year, $6,380 against $6,611.
- Building insurance favours Redcliffe by $100 a year, $1,900 against $2,000.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Redcliffe cumulative | Scarborough cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,733 | $12,064 | $331 |
| Year 3 | $36,266 | $37,289 | $1,023 |
| Year 5 | $62,292 | $64,049 | $1,757 |
| Year 10 | $134,506 | $138,300 | $3,794 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Redcliffe or Scarborough cheaper to live in?
Redcliffe is cheaper to run by car at $11,733 per year versus $12,064 for Scarborough, a difference of $331 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Redcliffe and Scarborough?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,309 in Redcliffe (Moreton Bay Regional Council) and $1,309 in Scarborough (Moreton Bay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,144 in Redcliffe and $2,144 in Scarborough. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Redcliffe and Scarborough?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,380 from Redcliffe and $6,611 from Scarborough to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Redcliffe and $192 from Scarborough.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Redcliffe and Scarborough?
At 3% annual cost growth, Redcliffe costs a cumulative $134,506 and Scarborough costs $138,300 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,794 in favour of Redcliffe. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Redcliffe and Scarborough 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: Moreton Bay Regional Council and Moreton Bay Regional 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.