Buddina vs Parrearra: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Buddina and Parrearra are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 6.4 km and 7.3 km from Maroochydore CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Buddina runs $960 a year cheaper than Parrearra, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $11,005.
Over 10 years, Buddina costs about $11,000 less to run than Parrearra — the same as paying $11,000 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Parrearra
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Buddina | Parrearra | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,058 | $2,318 | -$260 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $3,100 | -$700 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,200 | +$600 |
| Total (driving) | $8,323 | $9,283 | -$960 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,457 | $7,157 | -$700 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Buddina | Parrearra | 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 — Buddina vs Parrearra (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Buddina costs $960 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $11,005 in favour of Buddina.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $700 per year.
On public transport the gap is $700 per year, $6,457 from Buddina versus $7,157 from Parrearra.
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 Buddina by $260 a year, $2,058 against $2,318.
- Building insurance favours Buddina by $700 a year, $2,400 against $3,100.
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 and the insurance band.
Fire risk is rated high in Parrearra against medium in Buddina, which feeds the insurance estimate.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Buddina cumulative | Parrearra cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,323 | $9,283 | $960 |
| Year 3 | $25,726 | $28,693 | $2,967 |
| Year 5 | $44,188 | $49,285 | $5,097 |
| Year 10 | $95,414 | $106,419 | $11,005 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Buddina or Parrearra cheaper to live in?
Buddina is cheaper to run by car at $8,323 per year versus $9,283 for Parrearra, a difference of $960 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Buddina and Parrearra?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Buddina (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Parrearra (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Buddina and $2,094 in Parrearra. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Buddina and Parrearra?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,058 from Buddina and $2,318 from Parrearra to Maroochydore CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Buddina and $192 from Parrearra.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Buddina and Parrearra?
At 3% annual cost growth, Buddina costs a cumulative $95,414 and Parrearra costs $106,419 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $11,005 in favour of Buddina. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Buddina and Parrearra 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.
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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.