Alexandra Headland vs Mooloolaba: 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 Mooloolaba are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 2.4 km and 4.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Mooloolaba runs $542 a year cheaper than Alexandra Headland, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $6,213.
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
Mooloolaba
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Alexandra Headland | Mooloolaba | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $787 | $1,345 | -$558 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $2,100 | +$1,100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,400 | $3,200 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $7,852 | $7,310 | +$542 |
| 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 | Mooloolaba | 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 Mooloolaba (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mooloolaba costs $542 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $6,213 in favour of Mooloolaba.
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 Mooloolaba.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Alexandra Headland cumulative | Mooloolaba cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,852 | $7,310 | $542 |
| Year 3 | $24,270 | $22,594 | $1,676 |
| Year 5 | $41,687 | $38,810 | $2,877 |
| Year 10 | $90,014 | $83,801 | $6,213 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alexandra Headland or Mooloolaba cheaper to live in?
Mooloolaba is cheaper to run by car at $7,310 per year versus $7,852 for Alexandra Headland, a difference of $542 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 Mooloolaba?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Alexandra Headland (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Mooloolaba (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Alexandra Headland and $2,094 in Mooloolaba. 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 Mooloolaba?
Annual driving commute costs are $787 from Alexandra Headland and $1,345 from Mooloolaba to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Alexandra Headland and $192 from Mooloolaba.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba?
At 3% annual cost growth, Alexandra Headland costs a cumulative $90,014 and Mooloolaba costs $83,801 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $6,213 in favour of Mooloolaba. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba 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.