Eumundi vs North Arm: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Eumundi and North Arm are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 15.8 km and 20.5 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Eumundi runs $867 a year cheaper than North Arm, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $9,939.
Over 10 years, Eumundi costs about $9,900 less to run than North Arm — the same as paying $9,900 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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North Arm
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Eumundi | North Arm | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,285 | $5,152 | -$867 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,900 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,700 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $11,050 | $11,917 | -$867 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,957 | $6,957 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Eumundi | North Arm | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $1,976 | $1,976 | - |
| Unit | $1,591 | $1,591 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2025 rates (QLD 30c/kWh, NSW 33c/kWh incl. supply charge; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Eumundi vs North Arm (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Eumundi costs $867 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $9,939 in favour of Eumundi.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $867 per year. North Arm is 20.5 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,957 and $6,957 a year, so the $867 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Eumundi cumulative | North Arm cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,050 | $11,917 | $867 |
| Year 3 | $34,154 | $36,834 | $2,680 |
| Year 5 | $58,666 | $63,269 | $4,603 |
| Year 10 | $126,676 | $136,615 | $9,939 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eumundi or North Arm cheaper to live in?
Eumundi is cheaper to run by car at $11,050 per year versus $11,917 for North Arm, a difference of $867 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Eumundi and North Arm?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Eumundi (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in North Arm (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Eumundi and $2,094 in North Arm. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Eumundi and North Arm?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,285 from Eumundi and $5,152 from North Arm to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Eumundi and $192 from North Arm.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Eumundi and North Arm?
At 3% annual cost growth, Eumundi costs a cumulative $126,676 and North Arm costs $136,615 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $9,939 in favour of Eumundi. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Eumundi and North Arm 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.