Parrearra vs Warana: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Parrearra and Warana are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 7.3 km and 8.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $52 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 →Parrearra
Warana
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Parrearra | Warana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,242 | $2,594 | -$352 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $2,800 | +$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,000 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $9,207 | $9,259 | -$52 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,157 | $6,857 | +$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Parrearra | Warana | 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 — Parrearra vs Warana (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Parrearra and Warana cost within $52 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $596, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $352 per year. Warana is 8.6 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $7,157 from Parrearra versus $6,857 from Warana.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Parrearra cumulative | Warana cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,207 | $9,259 | $52 |
| Year 3 | $28,458 | $28,619 | $161 |
| Year 5 | $48,881 | $49,157 | $276 |
| Year 10 | $105,548 | $106,144 | $596 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Parrearra or Warana cheaper to live in?
Parrearra is cheaper to run by car at $9,207 per year versus $9,259 for Warana, a difference of $52 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Parrearra and Warana?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Parrearra (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Warana (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Parrearra and $2,094 in Warana. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Parrearra and Warana?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,242 from Parrearra and $2,594 from Warana to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Parrearra and $192 from Warana.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Parrearra and Warana?
At 3% annual cost growth, Parrearra costs a cumulative $105,548 and Warana costs $106,144 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $596 in favour of Parrearra. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Parrearra and Warana 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.