Benholme vs Gargett: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Benholme and Gargett are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 39.7 km and 44.5 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $85 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 →Benholme
Gargett
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Benholme | Gargett | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,758 | $6,673 | +$85 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,200 | $4,200 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,600 | -$100 |
| Total (driving) | $14,472 | $14,387 | +$85 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,906 | $7,906 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Benholme | Gargett | 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 — Benholme vs Gargett (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Benholme and Gargett cost within $85 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $974, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $85 per year. Gargett is 44.5 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,906 and $7,906 a year, so the $85 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Benholme cumulative | Gargett cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $14,472 | $14,387 | $85 |
| Year 3 | $44,732 | $44,469 | $263 |
| Year 5 | $76,834 | $76,383 | $451 |
| Year 10 | $165,905 | $164,931 | $974 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Benholme or Gargett cheaper to live in?
Gargett is cheaper to run by car at $14,387 per year versus $14,472 for Benholme, a difference of $85 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Benholme and Gargett?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Benholme (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Gargett (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Benholme and $2,048 in Gargett. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Benholme and Gargett?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,758 from Benholme and $6,673 from Gargett to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Benholme and $192 from Gargett.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Benholme and Gargett?
At 3% annual cost growth, Benholme costs a cumulative $165,905 and Gargett costs $164,931 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $974 in favour of Gargett. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Benholme and Gargett 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.
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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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.