Flaxton vs Obi Obi: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Flaxton and Obi Obi are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 22.6 km and 27.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Flaxton runs $597 a year cheaper than Obi Obi, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $6,844.
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 →Flaxton
Obi Obi
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Flaxton | Obi Obi | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,480 | $6,077 | -$597 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,200 | $3,200 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,700 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $12,545 | $13,142 | -$597 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,257 | $7,257 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Flaxton | Obi Obi | 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 — Flaxton vs Obi Obi (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Flaxton costs $597 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $6,844 in favour of Flaxton.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $597 per year. Obi Obi is 27.3 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, $7,257 and $7,257 a year, so the $597 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Flaxton cumulative | Obi Obi cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,545 | $13,142 | $597 |
| Year 3 | $38,775 | $40,621 | $1,846 |
| Year 5 | $66,603 | $69,773 | $3,170 |
| Year 10 | $143,814 | $150,658 | $6,844 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Flaxton or Obi Obi cheaper to live in?
Flaxton is cheaper to run by car at $12,545 per year versus $13,142 for Obi Obi, a difference of $597 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Flaxton and Obi Obi?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Flaxton (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Obi Obi (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Flaxton and $2,094 in Obi Obi. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Flaxton and Obi Obi?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,480 from Flaxton and $6,077 from Obi Obi to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Flaxton and $192 from Obi Obi.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Flaxton and Obi Obi?
At 3% annual cost growth, Flaxton costs a cumulative $143,814 and Obi Obi costs $150,658 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $6,844 in favour of Flaxton. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Flaxton and Obi Obi 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.