Chevallum vs Ilkley: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Chevallum and Ilkley are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 11.1 km and 12.8 km from Maroochydore CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Chevallum runs $717 a year cheaper than Ilkley, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $8,219.
Over 10 years, Chevallum costs about $8,200 less to run than Ilkley — the same as paying $8,200 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Ilkley
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Chevallum | Ilkley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,340 | $3,757 | -$417 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,200 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,000 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $10,105 | $10,822 | -$717 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,957 | $7,257 | -$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Chevallum | Ilkley | 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 — Chevallum vs Ilkley (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Chevallum costs $717 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $8,219 in favour of Chevallum.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $417 per year. Ilkley is 12.8 km from Maroochydore CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $6,957 from Chevallum versus $7,257 from Ilkley.
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 Chevallum by $417 a year, $3,340 against $3,757.
- Building insurance favours Chevallum 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 | Chevallum cumulative | Ilkley cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,105 | $10,822 | $717 |
| Year 3 | $31,234 | $33,450 | $2,216 |
| Year 5 | $53,649 | $57,455 | $3,806 |
| Year 10 | $115,843 | $124,062 | $8,219 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chevallum or Ilkley cheaper to live in?
Chevallum is cheaper to run by car at $10,105 per year versus $10,822 for Ilkley, a difference of $717 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Chevallum and Ilkley?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Chevallum (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Ilkley (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Chevallum and $2,094 in Ilkley. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Chevallum and Ilkley?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,340 from Chevallum and $3,757 from Ilkley to Maroochydore CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Chevallum and $192 from Ilkley.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Chevallum and Ilkley?
At 3% annual cost growth, Chevallum costs a cumulative $115,843 and Ilkley costs $124,062 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $8,219 in favour of Chevallum. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Chevallum and Ilkley 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.