Highworth vs Nambour: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Highworth and Nambour are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 16 km and 13.6 km from Maroochydore CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Nambour runs $428 a year cheaper than Highworth, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $4,907.
Over 10 years these two cost about the same to run. The difference here isn't money — it's location, schools and lifestyle.
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Nambour
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Highworth | Nambour | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,472 | $3,944 | +$528 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $3,100 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $2,000 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $11,337 | $10,909 | +$428 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,057 | $7,157 | -$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Highworth | Nambour | 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 — Highworth vs Nambour (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Nambour costs $428 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $4,907 in favour of Nambour.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $528 per year. Highworth is 16 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, $7,057 and $7,157 a year, so the $428 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 Nambour by $528 a year, $3,944 against $4,472.
- Building insurance favours Highworth by $100 a year, $3,000 against $3,100.
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 | Highworth cumulative | Nambour cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,337 | $10,909 | $428 |
| Year 3 | $35,042 | $33,719 | $1,323 |
| Year 5 | $60,190 | $57,917 | $2,273 |
| Year 10 | $129,966 | $125,059 | $4,907 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Highworth or Nambour cheaper to live in?
Nambour is cheaper to run by car at $10,909 per year versus $11,337 for Highworth, a difference of $428 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Highworth and Nambour?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Highworth (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Nambour (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Highworth and $2,094 in Nambour. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Highworth and Nambour?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,472 from Highworth and $3,944 from Nambour to Maroochydore CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Highworth and $192 from Nambour.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Highworth and Nambour?
At 3% annual cost growth, Highworth costs a cumulative $129,966 and Nambour costs $125,059 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $4,907 in favour of Nambour. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Highworth and Nambour 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.