Buddina vs Parrearra: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Buddina and Parrearra are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 6.4 km and 7.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Buddina runs $952 a year cheaper than Parrearra, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $10,914.
Over 10 years, Buddina costs about $10,900 less to run than Parrearra — the same as paying $10,900 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) | $1,990 | $2,242 | -$252 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $3,100 | -$700 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,200 | +$600 |
| Total (driving) | $8,255 | $9,207 | -$952 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,457 | $7,157 | -$700 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Buddina | Parrearra | 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 — Buddina vs Parrearra (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Buddina costs $952 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,914 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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Buddina cumulative | Parrearra cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,255 | $9,207 | $952 |
| Year 3 | $25,515 | $28,458 | $2,943 |
| Year 5 | $43,827 | $48,881 | $5,054 |
| Year 10 | $94,634 | $105,548 | $10,914 |
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 $8,255 per year versus $9,207 for Parrearra, a difference of $952 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/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 $1,990 from Buddina and $2,242 from Parrearra to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/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 $94,634 and Parrearra costs $105,548 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,914 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.