True annual cost of living in Clifton Beach, QLD 4879
Living in a house in Clifton Beach costs about $14,849 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Clifton Beach sits 20.3 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Unit costs come in at $10,559, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,800 body corporate levy. At 20.3km from the CBD, transport mode shifts the annual total by $4,927. The gap widens as commute costs rise.
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Clifton Beach's climate zone at 2025 rates. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Clifton Beach to the CBD?
Public transport saves Clifton Beach residents $4,927 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $5,119 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Clifton Beach?
Clifton Beach falls under Cairns Regional Council. The minimum residential general rate for 2026-27 is $1,165 per year for an owner-occupied house. Properties on higher land value pay more. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,165 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Clifton Beach?
Running a unit in Clifton Beach costs approximately $10,559 per year by car or $5,632 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,165, water and sewerage $1,765, estimated body corporate levy of $1,800, and contents insurance of $710. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.
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Data sources: Council rates: Cairns Regional Council 2026-27. Water: Cairns Regional Council Water & Sewerage 2026-27. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2025–26 (88c/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.