South Brisbane vs Woolloongabba: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
South Brisbane and Woolloongabba are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 1.1 km and 2.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
South Brisbane runs $346 a year cheaper than Woolloongabba, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,967.
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 →South Brisbane
Woolloongabba
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | South Brisbane | Woolloongabba | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $367 | $913 | -$546 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,900 | $1,700 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $5,500 | $5,200 | +$300 |
| Total (driving) | $5,746 | $6,092 | -$346 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,571 | $5,371 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | South Brisbane | Woolloongabba | 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 — South Brisbane vs Woolloongabba (2026-27)
What the numbers show
South Brisbane costs $346 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,967 in favour of South Brisbane.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $546 per year. Woolloongabba is 2.8 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $5,571 from South Brisbane versus $5,371 from Woolloongabba.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | South Brisbane cumulative | Woolloongabba cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $5,746 | $6,092 | $346 |
| Year 3 | $17,760 | $18,830 | $1,070 |
| Year 5 | $30,506 | $32,343 | $1,837 |
| Year 10 | $65,871 | $69,838 | $3,967 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is South Brisbane or Woolloongabba cheaper to live in?
South Brisbane is cheaper to run by car at $5,746 per year versus $6,092 for Woolloongabba, a difference of $346 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in South Brisbane and Woolloongabba?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in South Brisbane (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Woolloongabba (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in South Brisbane and $1,900 in Woolloongabba. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between South Brisbane and Woolloongabba?
Annual driving commute costs are $367 from South Brisbane and $913 from Woolloongabba to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from South Brisbane and $192 from Woolloongabba.
What is the 10-year cost difference between South Brisbane and Woolloongabba?
At 3% annual cost growth, South Brisbane costs a cumulative $65,871 and Woolloongabba costs $69,838 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,967 in favour of South Brisbane. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of South Brisbane and Woolloongabba 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: 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.