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Map of Clear Island Waters
7.4 km from Gold Coast CBD
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True annual cost of living in Clear Island Waters, QLD 4226

Living in a house in Clear Island Waters costs about $11,074 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Clear Island Waters sits 7.4 kilometres from Gold Coast CBD. Unit costs come in at $9,674, as lower council rates more than offset the $3,000 body corporate levy. Switching from driving to public transport saves $2,154 per year at this distance.

Last updated July 2026 · City of Gold Coast rates 2026-27, ATO 91c/km, AER electricity benchmarks

3 key insights

Running costs sit near the City of Gold Coast average, cheaper than 45% of suburbs in the region.
Home insurance is the biggest expense at $5,200, roughly 47% of the annual total.
Flood risk is rated high here, which lifts home insurance. Full risk detail is in the free report.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →
House annual cost
$11,074
Driving · per year
$923/month
Lower cost
Unit annual cost
$9,674
Incl. body corporate
$806/month
House vs unit difference
−$1,400
Unit is cheaper per year

Annual cost breakdown

Council rates
City of Gold Coast 2026-27 · minimum rate
$1,359
Water & sewerage
City of Gold Coast Water & Sewerage 2026-27
$2,169
Driving commute
ATO 91c/km · 7.4km from Gold Coast CBD · 192 days
$2,346
Home insurance
Estimated · flood High · fire Medium
$5,200
Total annual running cost
$11,074
($923/month)
Near City of Gold Coast average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●○○○ 4.4/10 Poor
Cheaper to run than 45% of City of Gold Coast suburbs. Score blends running cost (50%), schools (20%) and flood & fire risk (30%).

Estimated electricity cost

typical 2-person household
House
$2,135/yr
5,126 kWh
Unit
$1,776/yr
3,845 kWh
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Clear Island Waters's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for its electricity network. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.

Getting around Clear Island Waters

within a 2 km walk
Nearest stop
Broadbeach South, 3,391 m away, about a 42 minute walk. It is a light rail stop.
Nearest hospital
Emergency, 3,770 m away, about a 47 minute walk.
Supermarkets
5
Cafes
3
Parks
66
Counted from OpenStreetMap via Overpass inside a 2 km walking radius of the suburb centre, built 2026-08-07. Distances are straight line from that centre, so a specific address can be closer or further. Mapping is contributed and can lag a new opening.

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Frequently asked questions about Clear Island Waters

Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Clear Island Waters to Gold Coast CBD?

Public transport saves Clear Island Waters residents $2,154 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $2,346 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.

What are the council rates in Clear Island Waters?

Clear Island Waters falls under City of Gold Coast. The minimum residential general rate for 2026-27 is $1,359 per year for an owner-occupied house. Properties on higher land value pay more. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,359 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.

What does it cost to run a unit in Clear Island Waters?

Running a unit in Clear Island Waters costs approximately $9,674 per year by car or $7,520 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,359, water and sewerage $2,169, estimated body corporate levy of $3,000, and contents insurance of $800. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

Is Clear Island Waters close to public transport?

The nearest scheduled service to the centre of Clear Island Waters is Broadbeach South, a light rail stop about 3,391 m away, about a 42 minute walk. That is measured from the suburb centre, so an individual address can be nearer or further. The commute figure used in the running cost on this page assumes driving, not this service.

What is the closest hospital to Clear Island Waters?

The closest hospital to the centre of Clear Island Waters is Emergency, about 3,770 m away, about a 47 minute walk. Distance is straight line from the suburb centre and does not account for the road route or whether the hospital has an emergency department.

What shops and parks are in Clear Island Waters?

Within a 2 km walk of the centre of Clear Island Waters there are 5 supermarkets, 3 cafes and 66 parks. These counts come from OpenStreetMap via Overpass, which is contributed mapping and can lag a recent opening or closure.

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Data sources: Council rates: City of Gold Coast 2026-27. Water: City of Gold Coast Water & Sewerage 2026-27. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2026–27 (91c/km). Insurance: AI-estimated, disclosed as estimate. Schools: ACARA ICSEA 2025. Risk: Queensland Globe, QFES. Data updated 2026-07.
Cost estimates are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute financial, insurance, or credit advice.