Living in a house in Fairfield costs about $7,893 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Fairfield sits 4.1 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Unit costs reach $8,133, with the $3,200 body corporate levy accounting for the entire difference between the two. Transport mode has the biggest effect on total cost in a suburb this close to the city.
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Fairfield'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 Fairfield to the CBD?
Public transport saves Fairfield residents $1,122 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $1,314 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Fairfield?
Fairfield falls under Brisbane City Council. The minimum residential general rate for 2026-27 is $1,579 per year for an owner-occupied house. Properties on higher land value pay more. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,039 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Fairfield?
Running a unit in Fairfield costs approximately $8,133 per year by car or $7,011 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,039, water and sewerage $1,900, estimated body corporate levy of $3,200, and contents insurance of $680. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.
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Data sources: Council rates: Brisbane City Council 2026-27. Water: Queensland Urban Utilities 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.