Stafford vs Stafford Heights
Annual running cost comparison for Brisbane home buyers · 2025–26 data
Data updated July 2025 · Council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance
Annual running cost breakdown
| Cost component | Stafford | Stafford Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 |
| Annual commute (driving) | $583 | $693 |
| Home insurance (estimated) | $1,950 | $1,900 |
| Total annual cost | $5,876 | $5,936 |
| Distance to CBD | 6.9 km | 8.2 km |
Teal = lower cost. Council rates from Brisbane City Council 2025-26 and Brisbane City Council 2025-26. Commute uses ATO 88c/km over ABS annual kilometres by location class. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown detail
Both suburbs fall under Brisbane City Council 2025-26, paying the same general rate of $1,519 per year.
Driving commute costs are similar: $583 per year from Stafford and $693 from Stafford Heights to Brisbane CBD.
Schools and risk profile
| Factor | Stafford | Stafford Heights |
|---|---|---|
| School score (ICSEA) | 4.5/10 | 4.0/10 |
| Nearest state primary | Stafford State School | Stafford Heights State School |
| Nearest private school | Queen of Apostles Primary School | Queen of Apostles Primary School - Chuter Street Campus |
| Flood risk | Low | Low |
| Fire risk | Medium | Medium |
Stafford has the stronger school profile at 4.5/10 versus 4.0/10 for Stafford Heights (ICSEA scale, higher = better). Nearest state primaries: Stafford State School (Stafford) and Stafford Heights State School (Stafford Heights).
Both suburbs share low flood risk and medium fire risk according to Queensland government mapping.
Who each suburb suits
- Buyers watching costs: Stafford saves $60 per year
- City commuters: 6.9 km to CBD vs 8.2 km
- Families prioritising school scores: 4.5/10
- Buyers drawn to Stafford Heights's location relative to work and family
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to live in, Stafford or Stafford Heights?
Stafford and Stafford Heights are within $60 of each other annually for a house. At that margin, commute direction and school scores will drive the decision more than running cost.
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How far is Stafford from Brisbane CBD compared to Stafford Heights?
Stafford is 6.9 km from Brisbane CBD. Stafford Heights is 8.2 km from Brisbane CBD. Annual driving commute costs are $583 and $693 respectively, using the ATO 88 cents per kilometre rate over standard working days.
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Which suburb has better schools, Stafford or Stafford Heights?
Stafford rates higher on ICSEA school quality data at 4.5/10 versus 4.0/10 for Stafford Heights. The nearest state primary in Stafford is Stafford State School; in Stafford Heights it is Stafford Heights State School. Source: ACARA ICSEA 2025.
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What are the flood and fire risks in Stafford versus Stafford Heights?
Stafford has low flood risk and medium fire risk. Stafford Heights has low flood risk and medium fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe flood mapping and QFES bushfire prone land data.
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What are council rates in Stafford compared to Stafford Heights?
Annual council rates for a house in Stafford are $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). In Stafford Heights the rate is $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage charges add $1,824 in Stafford and $1,824 in Stafford Heights per year.
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Is Stafford or Stafford Heights better for families?
Stafford scores 4.5/10 on schools and has lower flood and fire risk. For families running both checks, it wins on both counts.
Individual suburb profiles
See full annual cost breakdowns, 10-year projections, and school details on each suburb's profile page.
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