Sumner vs Wacol: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Sumner and Wacol are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 14 km and 16.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $243 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 →Sumner
Wacol
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Sumner | Wacol | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,903 | $4,446 | -$543 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $2,800 | +$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,300 | +$300 |
| Total (driving) | $10,482 | $10,725 | -$243 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,771 | $6,471 | +$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Sumner | Wacol | 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 — Sumner vs Wacol (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Sumner and Wacol cost within $243 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,786, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $543 per year. Wacol is 16.6 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $6,771 from Sumner versus $6,471 from Wacol.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Sumner cumulative | Wacol cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,482 | $10,725 | $243 |
| Year 3 | $32,399 | $33,150 | $751 |
| Year 5 | $55,650 | $56,940 | $1,290 |
| Year 10 | $120,164 | $122,950 | $2,786 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sumner or Wacol cheaper to live in?
Sumner is cheaper to run by car at $10,482 per year versus $10,725 for Wacol, a difference of $243 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Sumner and Wacol?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Sumner (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Wacol (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Sumner and $1,900 in Wacol. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Sumner and Wacol?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,903 from Sumner and $4,446 from Wacol to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Sumner and $192 from Wacol.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Sumner and Wacol?
At 3% annual cost growth, Sumner costs a cumulative $120,164 and Wacol costs $122,950 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,786 in favour of Sumner. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Sumner and Wacol 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.