Hunchy vs Montville: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Hunchy and Montville are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 18.2 km and 21 km from Maroochydore CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Hunchy runs $449 a year cheaper than Montville, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $5,147.
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 →Hunchy
Montville
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Hunchy | Montville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,913 | $5,412 | -$499 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,050 | +$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,900 | $1,800 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $11,878 | $12,327 | -$449 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,157 | $7,107 | +$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Hunchy | Montville | 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 — Hunchy vs Montville (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Hunchy costs $449 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $5,147 in favour of Hunchy.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $499 per year. Montville is 21 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, $7,157 and $7,107 a year, so the $449 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 Hunchy by $499 a year, $4,913 against $5,412.
- Building insurance favours Montville by $50 a year, $3,050 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 | Hunchy cumulative | Montville cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,878 | $12,327 | $449 |
| Year 3 | $36,714 | $38,102 | $1,388 |
| Year 5 | $63,062 | $65,446 | $2,384 |
| Year 10 | $136,168 | $141,315 | $5,147 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hunchy or Montville cheaper to live in?
Hunchy is cheaper to run by car at $11,878 per year versus $12,327 for Montville, a difference of $449 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Hunchy and Montville?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Hunchy (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Montville (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Hunchy and $2,094 in Montville. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Hunchy and Montville?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,913 from Hunchy and $5,412 from Montville to Maroochydore CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Hunchy and $192 from Montville.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Hunchy and Montville?
At 3% annual cost growth, Hunchy costs a cumulative $136,168 and Montville costs $141,315 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $5,147 in favour of Hunchy. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Hunchy and Montville 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.