Dicky Beach vs Kings Beach: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Dicky Beach and Kings Beach are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 15.3 km and 17.4 km from Maroochydore CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $234 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 →Dicky Beach
Kings Beach
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Dicky Beach | Kings Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,324 | $4,758 | -$434 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,300 | $2,100 | +$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,800 | -$600 |
| Total (driving) | $10,489 | $10,723 | -$234 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,357 | $6,157 | +$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Dicky Beach | Kings 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 — Dicky Beach vs Kings Beach (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Dicky Beach and Kings Beach cost within $234 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,682, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $434 per year. Kings Beach is 17.4 km from Maroochydore CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $6,357 from Dicky Beach versus $6,157 from Kings Beach.
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 Dicky Beach by $434 a year, $4,324 against $4,758.
- Building insurance favours Kings Beach by $200 a year, $2,100 against $2,300.
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.
Fire risk is rated medium in Dicky Beach against low in Kings Beach, which feeds the insurance estimate.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Dicky Beach cumulative | Kings Beach cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,489 | $10,723 | $234 |
| Year 3 | $32,420 | $33,144 | $724 |
| Year 5 | $55,688 | $56,930 | $1,242 |
| Year 10 | $120,245 | $122,927 | $2,682 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dicky Beach or Kings Beach cheaper to live in?
Dicky Beach is cheaper to run by car at $10,489 per year versus $10,723 for Kings Beach, a difference of $234 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Dicky Beach and Kings Beach?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Dicky Beach (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Kings Beach (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Dicky Beach and $2,094 in Kings Beach. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Dicky Beach and Kings Beach?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,324 from Dicky Beach and $4,758 from Kings Beach to Maroochydore CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Dicky Beach and $192 from Kings Beach.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Dicky Beach and Kings Beach?
At 3% annual cost growth, Dicky Beach costs a cumulative $120,245 and Kings Beach costs $122,927 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,682 in favour of Dicky Beach. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Dicky Beach and Kings 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.