West End vs South Brisbane
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 | West End | South Brisbane |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 |
| Annual commute (driving) | $203 | $93 |
| Home insurance (estimated) | $2,900 | $1,900 |
| Total annual cost | $6,446 | $5,336 |
| Distance to CBD | 2.4 km | 1.1 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: $203 per year from West End and $93 from South Brisbane to Brisbane CBD.
Schools and risk profile
| Factor | West End | South Brisbane |
|---|---|---|
| School score (ICSEA) | 9.4/10 | 9.4/10 |
| Nearest state primary | West End State School | West End State School |
| Nearest private school | St George College | St George College |
| Flood risk | Medium | Low |
| Fire risk | Low | Low |
School quality is similar in both suburbs. West End scores 9.4/10 and South Brisbane scores 9.4/10 on the ICSEA scale. Nearest state primary schools are West End State School and West End State School respectively.
West End carries medium flood risk and low fire risk. South Brisbane has low flood risk and low fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe and QFES mapping.
Who each suburb suits
- Buyers drawn to West End's location relative to work and family
- Buyers watching costs: South Brisbane saves $1,110 per year
- City commuters: 1.1 km to CBD vs 2.4 km
- Buyers who want lower flood and fire risk
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to live in, West End or South Brisbane?
South Brisbane is cheaper by $1,110 per year, or $93 per month. That covers council rates ($1,519 vs $1,519), water ($1,824 vs $1,824), commute, and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025–26 data.
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How far is West End from Brisbane CBD compared to South Brisbane?
West End is 2.4 km from Brisbane CBD. South Brisbane is 1.1 km from Brisbane CBD. Annual driving commute costs are $203 and $93 respectively, using the ATO 88 cents per kilometre rate over standard working days.
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Which suburb has better schools, West End or South Brisbane?
West End rates higher on ICSEA school quality data at 9.4/10 versus 9.4/10 for South Brisbane. The nearest state primary in West End is West End State School; in South Brisbane it is West End State School. Source: ACARA ICSEA 2025.
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What are the flood and fire risks in West End versus South Brisbane?
West End has medium flood risk and low fire risk. South Brisbane has low flood risk and low fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe flood mapping and QFES bushfire prone land data.
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What are council rates in West End compared to South Brisbane?
Annual council rates for a house in West End are $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). In South Brisbane the rate is $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage charges add $1,824 in West End and $1,824 in South Brisbane per year.
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Is West End or South Brisbane better for families?
West End scores higher on schools at 9.4/10 versus 9.4/10. South Brisbane has lower combined flood and fire risk. Those two factors point in different directions for this pair.
Individual suburb profiles
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