Question 1

Why do suburbs fluctuate in the ranking?

Accepted Answer

Even a single new low price at one station moves a suburb average meaningfully. Smaller suburbs with only 2–4 reporting stations are most volatile; bigger suburbs are smoother.

Question 2

Is the cheapest suburb always worth driving to?

Accepted Answer

Only if the saving covers the extra distance. A 5c/L saving on 60L is $3; if the cheaper suburb is more than 6–8km out of your way, the petrol you burn getting there eats the saving.

Question 3

How is "expensive" different from a tourist tax?

Accepted Answer

Outlying expensive suburbs usually reflect low competition, freight costs to remote sites, or single-operator monopolies — not deliberate price gouging. The list is still useful for travel planning so you can fill up before reaching one.

Question 4

Why are some states overrepresented?

Accepted Answer

NSW, VIC and QLD have far more reporting stations than smaller markets, so they fill more rows. Filter by state if you want to compare like-for-like suburbs in your own market.

Suburbs Fuel Cost Ranker

How to use area rankings

See where you sit in the cycle

Suburbs ranking FAQ

Know when to fill up with FuelRadar Australia