Caloundra vs Nambour: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Caloundra and Nambour are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 16.7 km and 13.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Caloundra
Nambour
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Caloundra | Nambour | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,586 | $1,586 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,055 | $2,055 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,411 | $1,149 | +$262 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,100 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,000 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $7,952 | $7,890 | +$62 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,733 | $6,933 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Caloundra vs Nambour (2025-26)
What the numbers show
Caloundra and Nambour cost within $62 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $711, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $262 per year. Caloundra is 16.7 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap shifts to $200 per year. Both suburbs pay a flat PT fare, so the difference in total PT cost reflects council rates and insurance rather than commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Caloundra cumulative | Nambour cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,952 | $7,890 | $62 |
| Year 3 | $24,579 | $24,387 | $192 |
| Year 5 | $42,218 | $41,889 | $329 |
| Year 10 | $91,161 | $90,450 | $711 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Caloundra or Nambour cheaper to live in?
Nambour is cheaper to run by car at $7,890 per year versus $7,952 for Caloundra — a difference of $62 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025-26 data.
What are council rates in Caloundra and Nambour?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,586 in Caloundra (Sunshine Coast Council 2025-26) and $1,586 in Nambour (Sunshine Coast Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage adds $2,055 in Caloundra and $2,055 in Nambour.
How does the commute cost compare between Caloundra and Nambour?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,411 from Caloundra and $1,149 from Nambour to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km, 220 working days). Public transport costs $192 from Caloundra and $192 from Nambour.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Caloundra and Nambour?
At 3% annual cost growth, Caloundra costs a cumulative $91,161 and Nambour costs $90,450 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $711 in favour of Nambour. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Compare Caloundra and Nambour in the tool
The SuburbCost comparison tool shows the full annual cost breakdown for both suburbs side by side. Toggle between driving and public transport to see which suburb comes out ahead for your commuting pattern.
Open comparison →Related comparisons
Sources: Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Council rate schedules 2025-26, Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater 2025-26, ATO 88c/km, SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2025.