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13.7 km from CBD
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True annual cost of living in Coolum Beach, QLD 4573

Coolum Beach sits 13.7 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $7,698, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs reach $8,098, with the $2,600 body corporate levy accounting for the entire difference between the two. Switching from driving to public transport saves $965 per year at this distance.

Lower cost
Annual cost — house
$7,698
Driving · per year
$642/month
Annual cost — unit
$8,098
Incl. body corporate
$675/month
House vs unit difference
+$400
Unit costs more per year
Annual cost breakdown
Council rates
Sunshine Coast Council 2025-26
$1,586
Water & sewerage
Unitywater (Sunshine Coast/Noosa) 2025-26
$2,055
Commute — driving
ATO 88c/km · 13.7km from CBD · 192 days
$1,157
Home insurance
Estimated — flood Low, fire High
$2,900
Total annual running cost
$7,698
($642/month)
Near Sunshine Coast Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●○○ 5.8/10
Compare Coolum Beach with another suburb
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Coolum Beach to the CBD?
Public transport saves Coolum Beach residents $965 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $1,157 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Coolum Beach?
Coolum Beach falls under Sunshine Coast Council. The residential general rate for 2025–26 is $1,586 per year for an owner-occupied house. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,586 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Coolum Beach?
Running a unit in Coolum Beach costs approximately $8,098 per year by car or $7,133 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,586, water and sewerage $2,055, estimated body corporate levy of $2,600, and contents insurance of $700. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings — always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

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Data sources: Council rates: Sunshine Coast Council 2025-26. Water: Unitywater (Sunshine Coast/Noosa) 2025-26. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2025–26 (88c/km). Insurance: AI-estimated, disclosed as estimate. Schools: ACARA NAPLAN 2025. Risk: Queensland Globe, QFES. Data updated July 2025.
Cost estimates are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute financial, insurance, or credit advice.