Caloundra vs Dicky Beach: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Caloundra and Dicky Beach are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 16.7 km and 15.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Dicky Beach runs $884 a year cheaper than Caloundra, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $10,134.
Over 10 years, Dicky Beach costs about $10,100 less to run than Caloundra — the same as paying $10,100 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Dicky Beach
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Caloundra | Dicky Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,465 | $4,181 | +$284 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,300 | +$600 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,230 | $10,346 | +$884 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,957 | $6,357 | +$600 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Caloundra | Dicky Beach | 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 — Caloundra vs Dicky Beach (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Dicky Beach costs $884 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,134 in favour of Dicky Beach.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $600 per year.
On public transport the gap is $600 per year, $6,957 from Caloundra versus $6,357 from Dicky Beach.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Caloundra cumulative | Dicky Beach cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,230 | $10,346 | $884 |
| Year 3 | $34,711 | $31,978 | $2,733 |
| Year 5 | $59,622 | $54,928 | $4,694 |
| Year 10 | $128,739 | $118,605 | $10,134 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Caloundra or Dicky Beach cheaper to live in?
Dicky Beach is cheaper to run by car at $10,346 per year versus $11,230 for Caloundra, a difference of $884 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Caloundra and Dicky Beach?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Caloundra (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Dicky Beach (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Caloundra and $2,094 in Dicky Beach. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Caloundra and Dicky Beach?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,465 from Caloundra and $4,181 from Dicky Beach to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Caloundra and $192 from Dicky Beach.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Caloundra and Dicky Beach?
At 3% annual cost growth, Caloundra costs a cumulative $128,739 and Dicky Beach costs $118,605 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,134 in favour of Dicky Beach. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Caloundra and Dicky Beach 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.