Buderim vs Mons: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Buderim and Mons are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 4.7 km and 7.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Buderim runs $911 a year cheaper than Mons, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $10,444.
Over 10 years, Buderim costs about $10,400 less to run than Mons — the same as paying $10,400 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) | $1,495 | $2,406 | -$911 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $3,000 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,200 | +$400 |
| Total (driving) | $8,360 | $9,271 | -$911 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,057 | $7,057 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Buderim | Mons | 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 — Buderim vs Mons (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Buderim costs $911 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,444 in favour of Buderim.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $911 per year. Mons is 7.9 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,057 and $7,057 a year, so the $911 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Buderim cumulative | Mons cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,360 | $9,271 | $911 |
| Year 3 | $25,840 | $28,656 | $2,816 |
| Year 5 | $44,384 | $49,221 | $4,837 |
| Year 10 | $95,838 | $106,282 | $10,444 |
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 $8,360 per year versus $9,271 for Mons, a difference of $911 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/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 $1,495 from Buderim and $2,406 from Mons to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/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 $95,838 and Mons costs $106,282 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,444 in favour of Buderim. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Buderim and Mons is best to actually live in?
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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.