Stapylton vs Yatala: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Stapylton and Yatala are both City of Gold Coast suburbs, sitting 30.6 km and 29.7 km from Gold Coast CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $128 a year of each other to run, so running cost is a minor factor here. The decision comes down to schools, risk and lifestyle, all in the free report.
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 →Stapylton
Yatala
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Stapylton | Yatala | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,359 | $1,359 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,169 | $2,169 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,603 | $6,525 | +$78 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,850 | +$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $1,900 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $13,031 | $12,903 | +$128 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,620 | $6,570 | +$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Stapylton | Yatala | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Stapylton vs Yatala (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Stapylton and Yatala cost within $128 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,468, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $78 per year. Stapylton is 30.6 km from Gold Coast CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,620 and $6,570 a year, so the $128 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,359 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,169 a year.
- Driving commute favours Yatala by $78 a year, $6,525 against $6,603.
- Building insurance favours Yatala by $50 a year, $2,850 against $2,900.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Stapylton cumulative | Yatala cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,031 | $12,903 | $128 |
| Year 3 | $40,278 | $39,882 | $396 |
| Year 5 | $69,183 | $68,504 | $679 |
| Year 10 | $149,386 | $147,918 | $1,468 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stapylton or Yatala cheaper to live in?
Yatala is cheaper to run by car at $12,903 per year versus $13,031 for Stapylton, a difference of $128 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Stapylton and Yatala?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,359 in Stapylton (City of Gold Coast) and $1,359 in Yatala (City of Gold Coast). Water and sewerage adds $2,169 in Stapylton and $2,169 in Yatala. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Stapylton and Yatala?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,603 from Stapylton and $6,525 from Yatala to Gold Coast CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Stapylton and $192 from Yatala.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Stapylton and Yatala?
At 3% annual cost growth, Stapylton costs a cumulative $149,386 and Yatala costs $147,918 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,468 in favour of Yatala. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Stapylton and Yatala 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: City of Gold Coast and City of Gold Coast rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.