South Brisbane vs Woolloongabba: true annual running costs compared (2026)
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
Woolloongabba
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | South Brisbane | Woolloongabba | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $93 | $237 | -$144 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,900 | $1,700 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $5,500 | $5,200 | +$300 |
| Total (driving) | $5,336 | $5,280 | +$56 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,435 | $5,235 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — South Brisbane vs Woolloongabba (2025-26)
What the numbers show
South Brisbane and Woolloongabba cost within $56 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $642, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $200 per year. South Brisbane carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap shifts to $200 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 | South Brisbane cumulative | Woolloongabba cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $5,336 | $5,280 | $56 |
| Year 3 | $16,493 | $16,320 | $173 |
| Year 5 | $28,330 | $28,032 | $298 |
| Year 10 | $61,171 | $60,529 | $642 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is South Brisbane or Woolloongabba cheaper to live in?
Woolloongabba is cheaper to run by car at $5,280 per year versus $5,336 for South Brisbane — a difference of $56 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025-26 data.
What are council rates in South Brisbane and Woolloongabba?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,519 in South Brisbane (Brisbane City Council 2025-26) and $1,519 in Woolloongabba (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage adds $1,824 in South Brisbane and $1,824 in Woolloongabba.
How does the commute cost compare between South Brisbane and Woolloongabba?
Annual driving commute costs are $93 from South Brisbane and $237 from Woolloongabba to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km, 220 working days). 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 $61,171 and Woolloongabba costs $60,529 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $642 in favour of Woolloongabba. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Compare South Brisbane and Woolloongabba 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.
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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.