Stafford vs Stafford Heights: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Stafford and Stafford Heights are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 6.9 km and 8.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Stafford runs $306 a year cheaper than Stafford Heights, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,508.
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 →Stafford
Stafford Heights
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Stafford | Stafford Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,131 | $2,487 | -$356 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,950 | $1,900 | +$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,700 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $7,560 | $7,866 | -$306 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,621 | $5,571 | +$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Stafford | Stafford Heights | 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 — Stafford vs Stafford Heights (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Stafford costs $306 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,508 in favour of Stafford.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $356 per year. Stafford Heights is 8.2 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, $5,621 and $5,571 a year, so the $306 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Stafford cumulative | Stafford Heights cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,560 | $7,866 | $306 |
| Year 3 | $23,367 | $24,313 | $946 |
| Year 5 | $40,137 | $41,762 | $1,625 |
| Year 10 | $86,667 | $90,175 | $3,508 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stafford or Stafford Heights cheaper to live in?
Stafford is cheaper to run by car at $7,560 per year versus $7,866 for Stafford Heights, a difference of $306 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Stafford and Stafford Heights?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Stafford (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Stafford Heights (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Stafford and $1,900 in Stafford Heights. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Stafford and Stafford Heights?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,131 from Stafford and $2,487 from Stafford Heights to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Stafford and $192 from Stafford Heights.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Stafford and Stafford Heights?
At 3% annual cost growth, Stafford costs a cumulative $86,667 and Stafford Heights costs $90,175 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,508 in favour of Stafford. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Stafford and Stafford Heights 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.