Balnagowan vs Pleystowe: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Balnagowan and Pleystowe are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 18.7 km and 16.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $162 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 →Balnagowan
Pleystowe
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Balnagowan | Pleystowe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,842 | $4,504 | +$338 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,300 | $4,800 | -$500 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $2,000 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $12,656 | $12,818 | -$162 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,006 | $8,506 | -$500 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Balnagowan | Pleystowe | 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 — Balnagowan vs Pleystowe (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Balnagowan and Pleystowe cost within $162 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,857, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $500 per year.
On public transport the gap is $500 per year, $8,006 from Balnagowan versus $8,506 from Pleystowe.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Balnagowan cumulative | Pleystowe cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,656 | $12,818 | $162 |
| Year 3 | $39,118 | $39,619 | $501 |
| Year 5 | $67,192 | $68,053 | $861 |
| Year 10 | $145,087 | $146,944 | $1,857 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Balnagowan or Pleystowe cheaper to live in?
Balnagowan is cheaper to run by car at $12,656 per year versus $12,818 for Pleystowe, a difference of $162 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/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 $4,842 from Balnagowan and $4,504 from Pleystowe to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/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 $145,087 and Pleystowe costs $146,944 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,857 in favour of Balnagowan. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Balnagowan and Pleystowe 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.