Beaconsfield vs Glenella, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Beaconsfield and Glenella are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 6.6 km and 6.3 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $38 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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Glenella
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Beaconsfield | Glenella | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $2,116 | $2,028 | +$88 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $3,650 | $3,700 | -$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,000 | $2,200 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $9,280 | $9,242 | +$38 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,356 | $7,406 | -$50 |
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 | Beaconsfield | Glenella | 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, Beaconsfield vs Glenella (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Beaconsfield and Glenella cost within $38 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $436, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $88 per year. Beaconsfield is 6.6 km from Mackay CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,356 and $7,406 a year, so the $38 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
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 Glenella by $88 a year, $2,028 against $2,116.
- Building insurance favours Beaconsfield by $50 a year, $3,650 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.
The catchment state school scores 5.8 in Glenella against 4.1 in Beaconsfield, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Beaconsfield cumulative | Glenella cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,280 | $9,242 | $38 |
| Year 3 | $28,684 | $28,566 | $118 |
| Year 5 | $49,269 | $49,067 | $202 |
| Year 10 | $106,385 | $105,949 | $436 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beaconsfield or Glenella cheaper to live in?
Glenella is cheaper to run by car at $9,242 per year versus $9,280 for Beaconsfield, a difference of $38 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/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 $2,116 from Beaconsfield and $2,028 from Glenella to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/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 $106,385 and Glenella costs $105,949 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $436 in favour of Glenella. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Beaconsfield and Glenella suits you better?
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 insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.