Sunnybank vs Sunnybank Hills: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Sunnybank and Sunnybank Hills are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 12.5 km and 14.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Sunnybank runs $304 a year cheaper than Sunnybank Hills, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,485.
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 →Sunnybank
Sunnybank Hills
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Sunnybank | Sunnybank Hills | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,564 | $3,968 | -$404 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $1,900 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,600 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $9,043 | $9,347 | -$304 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,671 | $5,571 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Sunnybank | Sunnybank Hills | 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 — Sunnybank vs Sunnybank Hills (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Sunnybank costs $304 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,485 in favour of Sunnybank.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $404 per year. Sunnybank Hills is 14.3 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, $5,671 and $5,571 a year, so the $304 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Sunnybank cumulative | Sunnybank Hills cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,043 | $9,347 | $304 |
| Year 3 | $27,951 | $28,891 | $940 |
| Year 5 | $48,011 | $49,624 | $1,613 |
| Year 10 | $103,668 | $107,153 | $3,485 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunnybank or Sunnybank Hills cheaper to live in?
Sunnybank is cheaper to run by car at $9,043 per year versus $9,347 for Sunnybank Hills, a difference of $304 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Sunnybank and Sunnybank Hills?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Sunnybank (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 in Sunnybank Hills (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Sunnybank and $1,900 in Sunnybank Hills. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Sunnybank and Sunnybank Hills?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,564 from Sunnybank and $3,968 from Sunnybank Hills to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Sunnybank and $192 from Sunnybank Hills.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Sunnybank and Sunnybank Hills?
At 3% annual cost growth, Sunnybank costs a cumulative $103,668 and Sunnybank Hills costs $107,153 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,485 in favour of Sunnybank. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Sunnybank and Sunnybank Hills 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.