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20.5 km from CBD
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True annual cost of living in North Arm, QLD 4561

North Arm sits 20.5 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $8,273, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs come in at $7,793, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,700 body corporate levy. At 20.5km from the CBD, transport mode shifts the annual total by $1,540. The gap widens as commute costs rise.

Annual cost — house
$8,273
Driving · per year
$689/month
Lower cost
Annual cost — unit
$7,793
Incl. body corporate
$649/month
House vs unit difference
−$480
Unit is cheaper 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 · 20.5km from CBD · 192 days
$1,732
Home insurance
Estimated — flood Low, fire High
$2,900
Total annual running cost
$8,273
($689/month)
Near Sunshine Coast Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●○○○ 4.0/10
Compare North Arm with another suburb
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from North Arm to the CBD?
Public transport saves North Arm residents $1,540 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $1,732 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in North Arm?
North Arm 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 North Arm?
Running a unit in North Arm costs approximately $7,793 per year by car or $6,253 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,586, water and sewerage $2,055, estimated body corporate levy of $1,700, and contents insurance of $720. 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.