Mount Coolum vs Yaroomba: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Mount Coolum and Yaroomba are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 9.6 km and 11 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $99 a year of each other to run, so running cost is a minor factor here — the decision comes down to schools, risk and lifestyle, all in the free report.
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 →Mount Coolum
Yaroomba
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Mount Coolum | Yaroomba | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,855 | $3,206 | -$351 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,400 | $2,950 | +$450 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,120 | $10,021 | +$99 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,457 | $7,007 | +$450 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Mount Coolum | Yaroomba | 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 — Mount Coolum vs Yaroomba (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mount Coolum and Yaroomba cost within $99 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,134, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $450 per year.
On public transport the gap is $450 per year, $7,457 from Mount Coolum versus $7,007 from Yaroomba.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Mount Coolum cumulative | Yaroomba cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,120 | $10,021 | $99 |
| Year 3 | $31,280 | $30,974 | $306 |
| Year 5 | $53,728 | $53,203 | $525 |
| Year 10 | $116,014 | $114,880 | $1,134 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Coolum or Yaroomba cheaper to live in?
Yaroomba is cheaper to run by car at $10,021 per year versus $10,120 for Mount Coolum, a difference of $99 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Mount Coolum and Yaroomba?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Mount Coolum (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Yaroomba (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Mount Coolum and $2,094 in Yaroomba. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Mount Coolum and Yaroomba?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,855 from Mount Coolum and $3,206 from Yaroomba to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Mount Coolum and $192 from Yaroomba.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Mount Coolum and Yaroomba?
At 3% annual cost growth, Mount Coolum costs a cumulative $116,014 and Yaroomba costs $114,880 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,134 in favour of Yaroomba. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Mount Coolum and Yaroomba 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.
Related comparisons
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.