West End vs South Brisbane: true annual running costs compared (2026)
West End and South Brisbane are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 2.4 km and 1.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
West End
South Brisbane
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | West End | South Brisbane | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $203 | $93 | +$110 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $1,900 | +$1,000 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $5,500 | $5,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $6,446 | $5,336 | +$1,110 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,435 | $5,435 | +$1,000 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — West End vs South Brisbane (2025-26)
What the numbers show
South Brisbane costs $1,110 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $12,725 in favour of South Brisbane.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $1,000 per year. West End carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap shifts to $1,000 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 | West End cumulative | South Brisbane cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,446 | $5,336 | $1,110 |
| Year 3 | $19,924 | $16,493 | $3,431 |
| Year 5 | $34,223 | $28,330 | $5,893 |
| Year 10 | $73,896 | $61,171 | $12,725 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is West End or South Brisbane cheaper to live in?
South Brisbane is cheaper to run by car at $5,336 per year versus $6,446 for West End — a difference of $1,110 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025-26 data.
What are council rates in West End and South Brisbane?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,519 in West End (Brisbane City Council 2025-26) and $1,519 in South Brisbane (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage adds $1,824 in West End and $1,824 in South Brisbane.
How does the commute cost compare between West End and South Brisbane?
Annual driving commute costs are $203 from West End and $93 from South Brisbane to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km, 220 working days). Public transport costs $192 from West End and $192 from South Brisbane.
What is the 10-year cost difference between West End and South Brisbane?
At 3% annual cost growth, West End costs a cumulative $73,896 and South Brisbane costs $61,171 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $12,725 in favour of South Brisbane. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Compare West End and South Brisbane 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.
Open comparison →Related comparisons
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.