West End vs Wynnum: true annual running costs compared (2026)
West End and Wynnum are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 2.4 km and 14.4 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
West End
Wynnum
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | West End | Wynnum | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $203 | $1,217 | -$1,014 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,100 | +$800 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $5,500 | $2,800 | +$2,700 |
| Total (driving) | $6,446 | $6,660 | -$214 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,435 | $5,635 | +$800 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — West End vs Wynnum (2025-26)
What the numbers show
West End and Wynnum cost within $214 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,453, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $1,014 per year. Wynnum is 14.4 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap shifts to $800 per year. Both suburbs pay a flat PT fare, so the difference in total PT cost reflects council rates and insurance rather than commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | West End cumulative | Wynnum cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,446 | $6,660 | $214 |
| Year 3 | $19,924 | $20,585 | $661 |
| Year 5 | $34,223 | $35,359 | $1,136 |
| Year 10 | $73,896 | $76,349 | $2,453 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is West End or Wynnum cheaper to live in?
West End is cheaper to run by car at $6,446 per year versus $6,660 for Wynnum — a difference of $214 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025-26 data.
What are council rates in West End and Wynnum?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,519 in West End (Brisbane City Council 2025-26) and $1,519 in Wynnum (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage adds $1,824 in West End and $1,824 in Wynnum.
How does the commute cost compare between West End and Wynnum?
Annual driving commute costs are $203 from West End and $1,217 from Wynnum to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km, 220 working days). Public transport costs $192 from West End and $192 from Wynnum.
What is the 10-year cost difference between West End and Wynnum?
At 3% annual cost growth, West End costs a cumulative $73,896 and Wynnum costs $76,349 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,453 in favour of West End. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Compare West End and Wynnum in the tool
The SuburbCost comparison tool shows the full annual cost breakdown for both suburbs side by side. Toggle between driving and public transport to see which suburb comes out ahead for your commuting pattern.
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Sources: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City Council rate schedules 2025-26, Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater 2025-26, ATO 88c/km, SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2025.