Bucasia vs Shoal Point, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Bucasia and Shoal Point are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 13 km and 15.9 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Bucasia runs $548 a year cheaper than Shoal Point, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $6,282.
Over 10 years, Bucasia costs about $6,300 less to run than Shoal Point. That's about $12 a week.
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Shoal Point
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Bucasia | Shoal Point | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $3,804 | $4,452 | -$648 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $3,700 | $3,600 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,018 | $11,566 | -$548 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,406 | $7,306 | +$100 |
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 | Bucasia | Shoal Point | 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, Bucasia vs Shoal Point (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bucasia costs $548 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $6,282 in favour of Bucasia.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $648 per year. Shoal Point is 15.9 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, $7,406 and $7,306 a year, so the $548 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 Bucasia by $648 a year, $3,804 against $4,452.
- Building insurance favours Shoal Point by $100 a year, $3,600 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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Bucasia cumulative | Shoal Point cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,018 | $11,566 | $548 |
| Year 3 | $34,056 | $35,749 | $1,693 |
| Year 5 | $58,496 | $61,405 | $2,909 |
| Year 10 | $126,309 | $132,591 | $6,282 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bucasia or Shoal Point cheaper to live in?
Bucasia is cheaper to run by car at $11,018 per year versus $11,566 for Shoal Point, a difference of $548 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Bucasia and Shoal Point?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Bucasia (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Shoal Point (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Bucasia and $2,048 in Shoal Point. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Bucasia and Shoal Point?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,804 from Bucasia and $4,452 from Shoal Point to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Bucasia and $192 from Shoal Point.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Bucasia and Shoal Point?
At 3% annual cost growth, Bucasia costs a cumulative $126,309 and Shoal Point costs $132,591 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $6,282 in favour of Bucasia. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Bucasia and Shoal Point suits you better?
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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.