Marcus Beach vs Sunrise Beach: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Marcus Beach and Sunrise Beach are both Noosa Council suburbs, sitting 22.9 km and 3.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Sunrise Beach runs $4,385 a year cheaper than Marcus Beach, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $50,269.
Over 10 years, Sunrise Beach costs about $50,300 less to run than Marcus Beach — the same as paying $50,300 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Sunrise Beach
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Marcus Beach | Sunrise Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,540 | $1,540 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,523 | $1,038 | +$4,485 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,200 | -$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,900 | $2,200 | -$300 |
| Total (driving) | $12,257 | $7,872 | +$4,385 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,926 | $7,026 | -$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Marcus Beach | Sunrise Beach | 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 — Marcus Beach vs Sunrise Beach (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Sunrise Beach costs $4,385 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $50,269 in favour of Sunrise Beach.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $4,485 per year. Marcus Beach is 22.9 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, $6,926 and $7,026 a year, so the $4,385 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Marcus Beach cumulative | Sunrise Beach cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,257 | $7,872 | $4,385 |
| Year 3 | $37,885 | $24,332 | $13,553 |
| Year 5 | $65,074 | $41,794 | $23,280 |
| Year 10 | $140,513 | $90,244 | $50,269 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Marcus Beach or Sunrise Beach cheaper to live in?
Sunrise Beach is cheaper to run by car at $7,872 per year versus $12,257 for Marcus Beach, a difference of $4,385 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Marcus Beach and Sunrise Beach?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,540 in Marcus Beach (Noosa Council) and $1,540 in Sunrise Beach (Noosa Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Marcus Beach and $2,094 in Sunrise Beach. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Marcus Beach and Sunrise Beach?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,523 from Marcus Beach and $1,038 from Sunrise Beach to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Marcus Beach and $192 from Sunrise Beach.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Marcus Beach and Sunrise Beach?
At 3% annual cost growth, Marcus Beach costs a cumulative $140,513 and Sunrise Beach costs $90,244 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $50,269 in favour of Sunrise Beach. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Marcus Beach and Sunrise 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: Noosa Council and Noosa 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.