Balberra vs Chelona: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Balberra and Chelona are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 17.4 km and 13.2 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Chelona runs $306 a year cheaper than Balberra, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,508.
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) | $4,758 | $3,852 | +$906 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,200 | $4,800 | -$600 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $2,000 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $12,472 | $12,166 | +$306 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,906 | $8,506 | -$600 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Balberra | Chelona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,140 | $2,140 | - |
| Unit | $1,770 | $1,770 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; 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
Chelona costs $306 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,508 in favour of Chelona.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $906 per year. Balberra is 17.4 km from Mackay CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $600 per year, $7,906 from Balberra versus $8,506 from Chelona.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,466 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,048 a year.
- Driving commute favours Chelona by $906 a year, $3,852 against $4,758.
- Building insurance favours Balberra by $600 a year, $4,200 against $4,800.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Balberra cumulative | Chelona cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,472 | $12,166 | $306 |
| Year 3 | $38,550 | $37,604 | $946 |
| Year 5 | $66,216 | $64,591 | $1,625 |
| Year 10 | $142,978 | $139,470 | $3,508 |
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 $12,166 per year versus $12,472 for Balberra, a difference of $306 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/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 $4,758 from Balberra and $3,852 from Chelona to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/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 $142,978 and Chelona costs $139,470 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,508 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.
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Sources: Mackay Regional Council and Mackay Regional Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.