Buderim vs Mons: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Buderim and Mons are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 4.7 km and 7.9 km from Maroochydore CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Buderim runs $942 a year cheaper than Mons, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $10,799.
Over 10 years, Buderim costs about $10,800 less to run than Mons — the same as paying $10,800 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Mons
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Buderim | Mons | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,546 | $2,488 | -$942 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $3,000 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,200 | +$400 |
| Total (driving) | $8,411 | $9,353 | -$942 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,057 | $7,057 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Buderim | Mons | 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 — Buderim vs Mons (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Buderim costs $942 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,799 in favour of Buderim.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $942 per year. Mons is 7.9 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, $7,057 and $7,057 a year, so the $942 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 Buderim by $942 a year, $1,546 against $2,488.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,000 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.
The catchment state school scores 8.4 in Buderim against 7.3 in Mons, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Buderim cumulative | Mons cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,411 | $9,353 | $942 |
| Year 3 | $25,998 | $28,909 | $2,911 |
| Year 5 | $44,655 | $49,656 | $5,001 |
| Year 10 | $96,423 | $107,222 | $10,799 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Buderim or Mons cheaper to live in?
Buderim is cheaper to run by car at $8,411 per year versus $9,353 for Mons, a difference of $942 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Buderim and Mons?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Buderim (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Mons (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Buderim and $2,094 in Mons. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Buderim and Mons?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,546 from Buderim and $2,488 from Mons to Maroochydore CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Buderim and $192 from Mons.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Buderim and Mons?
At 3% annual cost growth, Buderim costs a cumulative $96,423 and Mons costs $107,222 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,799 in favour of Buderim. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Buderim and Mons 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.