Balberra vs Chelona: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Balberra and Chelona are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 17.4 km and 13.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $276 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 →Balberra
Chelona
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Balberra | Chelona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,601 | $3,725 | +$876 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,200 | $4,800 | -$600 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $2,000 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $12,315 | $12,039 | +$276 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,906 | $8,506 | -$600 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Balberra | Chelona | 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 — Balberra vs Chelona (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Balberra and Chelona cost within $276 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,164, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $876 per year. Balberra is 17.4 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $600 per year, $7,906 from Balberra versus $8,506 from Chelona.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Balberra cumulative | Chelona cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,315 | $12,039 | $276 |
| Year 3 | $38,064 | $37,211 | $853 |
| Year 5 | $65,382 | $63,917 | $1,465 |
| Year 10 | $141,178 | $138,014 | $3,164 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Balberra or Chelona cheaper to live in?
Chelona is cheaper to run by car at $12,039 per year versus $12,315 for Balberra, a difference of $276 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Balberra and Chelona?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Balberra (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Chelona (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Balberra and $2,048 in Chelona. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Balberra and Chelona?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,601 from Balberra and $3,725 from Chelona to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Balberra and $192 from Chelona.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Balberra and Chelona?
At 3% annual cost growth, Balberra costs a cumulative $141,178 and Chelona costs $138,014 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,164 in favour of Chelona. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Balberra and Chelona 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: Mackay Regional Council and Mackay Regional 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.