Balnagowan vs Pleystowe, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Balnagowan and Pleystowe are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 18.7 km and 16.9 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $99 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.
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Pleystowe
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Balnagowan | Pleystowe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $5,007 | $4,658 | +$349 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $3,450 | $3,700 | -$250 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,800 | $2,000 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $11,971 | $11,872 | +$99 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,156 | $7,406 | -$250 |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Balnagowan | Pleystowe | 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, Balnagowan vs Pleystowe (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Balnagowan and Pleystowe cost within $99 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,135, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $349 per year. Balnagowan is 18.7 km from Mackay CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $250 per year, $7,156 from Balnagowan versus $7,406 from Pleystowe.
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 Pleystowe by $349 a year, $4,658 against $5,007.
- Building insurance favours Balnagowan by $250 a year, $3,450 against $3,700.
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 | Balnagowan cumulative | Pleystowe cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,971 | $11,872 | $99 |
| Year 3 | $37,001 | $36,695 | $306 |
| Year 5 | $63,556 | $63,030 | $526 |
| Year 10 | $137,234 | $136,099 | $1,135 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Balnagowan or Pleystowe cheaper to live in?
Pleystowe is cheaper to run by car at $11,872 per year versus $11,971 for Balnagowan, a difference of $99 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Balnagowan and Pleystowe?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Balnagowan (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Pleystowe (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Balnagowan and $2,048 in Pleystowe. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Balnagowan and Pleystowe?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,007 from Balnagowan and $4,658 from Pleystowe to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Balnagowan and $192 from Pleystowe.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Balnagowan and Pleystowe?
At 3% annual cost growth, Balnagowan costs a cumulative $137,234 and Pleystowe costs $136,099 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,135 in favour of Pleystowe. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Balnagowan and Pleystowe suits you better?
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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 insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.