Castaways Beach vs Sunrise Beach: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Castaways Beach and Sunrise Beach are both Noosa Council suburbs, sitting 4.5 km and 3.2 km from Noosa CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $111 a year of each other to run, so running cost is a minor factor here. The decision comes down to schools, risk and lifestyle, all in the free report.
Over 10 years these two cost about the same to run. The difference here isn't money — it's location, schools and lifestyle.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →Castaways Beach
Sunrise Beach
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Castaways Beach | Sunrise Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,540 | $1,540 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,484 | $1,073 | +$411 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,200 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,018 | $7,907 | +$111 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,726 | $7,026 | -$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Castaways Beach | Sunrise Beach | 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 — Castaways Beach vs Sunrise Beach (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Castaways Beach and Sunrise Beach cost within $111 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,272, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $411 per year. Castaways Beach is 4.5 km from Noosa CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $6,726 from Castaways Beach versus $7,026 from Sunrise Beach.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,540 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,094 a year.
- Driving commute favours Sunrise Beach by $411 a year, $1,073 against $1,484.
- Building insurance favours Castaways Beach by $300 a year, $2,900 against $3,200.
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 and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Castaways Beach cumulative | Sunrise Beach cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,018 | $7,907 | $111 |
| Year 3 | $24,783 | $24,440 | $343 |
| Year 5 | $42,569 | $41,979 | $590 |
| Year 10 | $91,917 | $90,645 | $1,272 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Castaways Beach or Sunrise Beach cheaper to live in?
Sunrise Beach is cheaper to run by car at $7,907 per year versus $8,018 for Castaways Beach, a difference of $111 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Castaways Beach and Sunrise Beach?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,540 in Castaways Beach (Noosa Council) and $1,540 in Sunrise Beach (Noosa Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Castaways Beach and $2,094 in Sunrise Beach. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Castaways Beach and Sunrise Beach?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,484 from Castaways Beach and $1,073 from Sunrise Beach to Noosa CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Castaways Beach and $192 from Sunrise Beach.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Castaways Beach and Sunrise Beach?
At 3% annual cost growth, Castaways Beach costs a cumulative $91,917 and Sunrise Beach costs $90,645 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,272 in favour of Sunrise Beach. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Castaways Beach and Sunrise 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: Noosa Council and Noosa 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.