Beaconsfield vs Glenella: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Beaconsfield and Glenella are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 6.6 km and 6.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $115 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 →Beaconsfield
Glenella
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Beaconsfield | Glenella | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,046 | $1,961 | +$85 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,600 | $4,800 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,200 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $10,160 | $10,275 | -$115 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,306 | $8,506 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Beaconsfield | Glenella | 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 — Beaconsfield vs Glenella (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Beaconsfield and Glenella cost within $115 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,318, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $200 per year.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $8,306 from Beaconsfield versus $8,506 from Glenella.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Beaconsfield cumulative | Glenella cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,160 | $10,275 | $115 |
| Year 3 | $31,404 | $31,759 | $355 |
| Year 5 | $53,941 | $54,551 | $610 |
| Year 10 | $116,473 | $117,791 | $1,318 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beaconsfield or Glenella cheaper to live in?
Beaconsfield is cheaper to run by car at $10,160 per year versus $10,275 for Glenella, a difference of $115 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Beaconsfield and Glenella?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Beaconsfield (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Glenella (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Beaconsfield and $2,048 in Glenella. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Beaconsfield and Glenella?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,046 from Beaconsfield and $1,961 from Glenella to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Beaconsfield and $192 from Glenella.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Beaconsfield and Glenella?
At 3% annual cost growth, Beaconsfield costs a cumulative $116,473 and Glenella costs $117,791 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,318 in favour of Beaconsfield. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Beaconsfield and Glenella 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.