Alexandra Headland vs Minyama: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Alexandra Headland and Minyama are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 2.4 km and 5.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $69 a year of each other to run, so running cost is a minor factor here — the decision comes down to schools, risk and lifestyle, all in the free report.
Over 10 years these two cost about the same to run. The difference here isn't money — it's location, schools and lifestyle.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →Alexandra Headland
Minyama
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Alexandra Headland | Minyama | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $787 | $1,818 | -$1,031 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $2,100 | +$1,100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,400 | $2,200 | +$1,200 |
| Total (driving) | $7,852 | $7,783 | +$69 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,257 | $6,157 | +$1,100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Alexandra Headland | Minyama | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $1,976 | $1,976 | - |
| Unit | $1,591 | $1,591 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2025 rates (QLD 30c/kWh, NSW 33c/kWh incl. supply charge; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Alexandra Headland vs Minyama (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Alexandra Headland and Minyama cost within $69 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $791, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $1,100 per year.
On public transport the gap is $1,100 per year, $7,257 from Alexandra Headland versus $6,157 from Minyama.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Alexandra Headland cumulative | Minyama cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,852 | $7,783 | $69 |
| Year 3 | $24,270 | $24,056 | $214 |
| Year 5 | $41,687 | $41,321 | $366 |
| Year 10 | $90,014 | $89,223 | $791 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alexandra Headland or Minyama cheaper to live in?
Minyama is cheaper to run by car at $7,783 per year versus $7,852 for Alexandra Headland, a difference of $69 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Alexandra Headland and Minyama?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Alexandra Headland (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Minyama (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Alexandra Headland and $2,094 in Minyama. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Alexandra Headland and Minyama?
Annual driving commute costs are $787 from Alexandra Headland and $1,818 from Minyama to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Alexandra Headland and $192 from Minyama.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Alexandra Headland and Minyama?
At 3% annual cost growth, Alexandra Headland costs a cumulative $90,014 and Minyama costs $89,223 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $791 in favour of Minyama. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Alexandra Headland and Minyama is best to actually live in?
You've got the costs. Get the free personalised report for the rest: a clear verdict on which suburb wins, the full flood, fire and crime risk profile, nearest schools, estimated electricity cost by number of occupants, and your own loan or rent stress-tested over 10 years. No spam.
Related comparisons
Sources: Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.