Beaconsfield vs Nindaroo: 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 Nindaroo are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 6.6 km and 10.8 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Beaconsfield runs $1,349 a year cheaper than Nindaroo, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $15,465.
Over 10 years, Beaconsfield costs about $15,500 less to run than Nindaroo — the same as paying $15,500 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Nindaroo
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Beaconsfield | Nindaroo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,116 | $3,265 | -$1,149 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,600 | $4,800 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $1,800 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $10,230 | $11,579 | -$1,349 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,306 | $8,506 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Beaconsfield | Nindaroo | 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 Nindaroo (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Beaconsfield costs $1,349 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $15,465 in favour of Beaconsfield.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $1,149 per year. Nindaroo is 10.8 km from Mackay CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $8,306 from Beaconsfield versus $8,506 from Nindaroo.
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 Beaconsfield by $1,149 a year, $2,116 against $3,265.
- Building insurance favours Beaconsfield by $200 a year, $4,600 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 | Beaconsfield cumulative | Nindaroo cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,230 | $11,579 | $1,349 |
| Year 3 | $31,620 | $35,790 | $4,170 |
| Year 5 | $54,312 | $61,474 | $7,162 |
| Year 10 | $117,275 | $132,740 | $15,465 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beaconsfield or Nindaroo cheaper to live in?
Beaconsfield is cheaper to run by car at $10,230 per year versus $11,579 for Nindaroo, a difference of $1,349 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Beaconsfield and Nindaroo?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Beaconsfield (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Nindaroo (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Beaconsfield and $2,048 in Nindaroo. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Beaconsfield and Nindaroo?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,116 from Beaconsfield and $3,265 from Nindaroo to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Beaconsfield and $192 from Nindaroo.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Beaconsfield and Nindaroo?
At 3% annual cost growth, Beaconsfield costs a cumulative $117,275 and Nindaroo costs $132,740 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $15,465 in favour of Beaconsfield. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Beaconsfield and Nindaroo 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.