Chevallum vs Mons: 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 Mons are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 11.1 km and 7.9 km from Maroochydore CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Mons runs $752 a year cheaper than Chevallum, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $8,621.
Over 10 years, Mons costs about $8,600 less to run than Chevallum — the same as paying $8,600 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Mons
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Chevallum | Mons | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,340 | $2,488 | +$852 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,000 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,105 | $9,353 | +$752 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,957 | $7,057 | -$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Chevallum | Mons | 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 Mons (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mons costs $752 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $8,621 in favour of Mons.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $852 per year. Chevallum is 11.1 km from Maroochydore CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,957 and $7,057 a year, so the $752 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
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 Mons by $852 a year, $2,488 against $3,340.
- Building insurance favours Chevallum by $100 a year, $2,900 against $3,000.
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 | Mons cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,105 | $9,353 | $752 |
| Year 3 | $31,234 | $28,909 | $2,325 |
| Year 5 | $53,649 | $49,656 | $3,993 |
| Year 10 | $115,843 | $107,222 | $8,621 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chevallum or Mons cheaper to live in?
Mons is cheaper to run by car at $9,353 per year versus $10,105 for Chevallum, a difference of $752 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Chevallum and Mons?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Chevallum (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Mons (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Chevallum 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 Chevallum and Mons?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,340 from Chevallum and $2,488 from Mons to Maroochydore CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Chevallum and $192 from Mons.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Chevallum and Mons?
At 3% annual cost growth, Chevallum costs a cumulative $115,843 and Mons costs $107,222 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $8,621 in favour of Mons. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Chevallum and Mons 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.