Robertson vs Sunnybank: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Robertson and Sunnybank are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 11.1 km and 12.5 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Robertson runs $434 a year cheaper than Sunnybank, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $4,975.
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 →Robertson
Sunnybank
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Robertson | Sunnybank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,230 | $3,564 | -$334 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,900 | $2,000 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $2,800 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $8,609 | $9,043 | -$434 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,571 | $5,671 | -$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Robertson | Sunnybank | 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 — Robertson vs Sunnybank (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Robertson costs $434 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $4,975 in favour of Robertson.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $334 per year. Sunnybank is 12.5 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,571 and $5,671 a year, so the $434 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Robertson cumulative | Sunnybank cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,609 | $9,043 | $434 |
| Year 3 | $26,610 | $27,951 | $1,341 |
| Year 5 | $45,706 | $48,011 | $2,305 |
| Year 10 | $98,693 | $103,668 | $4,975 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Robertson or Sunnybank cheaper to live in?
Robertson is cheaper to run by car at $8,609 per year versus $9,043 for Sunnybank, a difference of $434 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Robertson and Sunnybank?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Robertson (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Sunnybank (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Robertson and $1,900 in Sunnybank. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Robertson and Sunnybank?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,230 from Robertson and $3,564 from Sunnybank to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Robertson and $192 from Sunnybank.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Robertson and Sunnybank?
At 3% annual cost growth, Robertson costs a cumulative $98,693 and Sunnybank costs $103,668 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $4,975 in favour of Robertson. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Robertson and Sunnybank 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.