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6.9 km from CBD
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True annual cost of living in Stafford, QLD 4053

Stafford sits 6.9 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $5,876, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs reach $6,726, with the $2,800 body corporate levy accounting for the entire difference between the two. Switching from driving to public transport saves $391 per year at this distance.

Lower cost
Annual cost — house
$5,876
Driving · per year
$490/month
Annual cost — unit
$6,726
Incl. body corporate
$561/month
House vs unit difference
+$850
Unit costs more per year
Annual cost breakdown
Council rates
Brisbane City Council 2025-26
$1,519
Water & sewerage
Queensland Urban Utilities 2025-26
$1,824
Commute — driving
ATO 88c/km · 6.9km from CBD · 192 days
$583
Home insurance
Estimated — flood Medium, fire Medium
$1,950
Total annual running cost
$5,876
($490/month)
↓ 14% below Brisbane City Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●○○ 6.8/10
Compare Stafford with another suburb
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Stafford to the CBD?
Public transport saves Stafford residents $391 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $583 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Stafford?
Stafford falls under Brisbane City Council. The residential general rate for 2025–26 is $1,519 per year for an owner-occupied house. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $999 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Stafford?
Running a unit in Stafford costs approximately $6,726 per year by car or $6,335 by public transport. This includes council rates of $999, water and sewerage $1,824, estimated body corporate levy of $2,800, and contents insurance of $520. 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 2025-26. Water: Queensland Urban Utilities 2025-26. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2025–26 (88c/km). Insurance: AI-estimated, disclosed as estimate. Schools: ACARA NAPLAN 2025. Risk: Queensland Globe, QFES. Data updated July 2025.
Cost estimates are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute financial, insurance, or credit advice.