Birtinya vs Wurtulla: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Birtinya and Wurtulla are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 10.6 km and 12.2 km from Maroochydore CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Birtinya runs $400 a year cheaper than Wurtulla, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $4,586.
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 →Birtinya
Wurtulla
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Birtinya | Wurtulla | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,213 | $3,613 | -$400 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,178 | $10,578 | -$400 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,157 | $7,157 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Birtinya | Wurtulla | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Birtinya vs Wurtulla (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Birtinya costs $400 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $4,586 in favour of Birtinya.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $400 per year. Wurtulla is 12.2 km from Maroochydore CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,157 and $7,157 a year, so the $400 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,771 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,094 a year.
- Driving commute favours Birtinya by $400 a year, $3,213 against $3,613.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,100 a year.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Birtinya cumulative | Wurtulla cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,178 | $10,578 | $400 |
| Year 3 | $31,459 | $32,696 | $1,237 |
| Year 5 | $54,036 | $56,160 | $2,124 |
| Year 10 | $116,679 | $121,265 | $4,586 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Birtinya or Wurtulla cheaper to live in?
Birtinya is cheaper to run by car at $10,178 per year versus $10,578 for Wurtulla, a difference of $400 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Birtinya and Wurtulla?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Birtinya (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Wurtulla (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Birtinya and $2,094 in Wurtulla. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Birtinya and Wurtulla?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,213 from Birtinya and $3,613 from Wurtulla to Maroochydore CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Birtinya and $192 from Wurtulla.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Birtinya and Wurtulla?
At 3% annual cost growth, Birtinya costs a cumulative $116,679 and Wurtulla costs $121,265 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $4,586 in favour of Birtinya. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Birtinya and Wurtulla 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.