Burbank vs Mackenzie: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Burbank and Mackenzie are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 16.9 km and 12.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Mackenzie runs $927 a year cheaper than Burbank, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $10,627.
Over 10 years, Mackenzie costs about $10,600 less to run than Burbank — the same as paying $10,600 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Mackenzie
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Burbank | Mackenzie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,658 | $3,781 | +$877 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,900 | +$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $2,800 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $10,458 | $9,531 | +$927 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,992 | $5,942 | +$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Burbank | Mackenzie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
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 — Burbank vs Mackenzie (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mackenzie costs $927 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,627 in favour of Mackenzie.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $877 per year. Burbank is 16.9 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,992 and $5,942 a year, so the $927 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $950 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Mackenzie by $877 a year, $3,781 against $4,658.
- Building insurance favours Mackenzie by $50 a year, $2,900 against $2,950.
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 | Burbank cumulative | Mackenzie cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,458 | $9,531 | $927 |
| Year 3 | $32,325 | $29,459 | $2,866 |
| Year 5 | $55,523 | $50,601 | $4,922 |
| Year 10 | $119,889 | $109,262 | $10,627 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Burbank or Mackenzie cheaper to live in?
Mackenzie is cheaper to run by car at $9,531 per year versus $10,458 for Burbank, a difference of $927 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Burbank and Mackenzie?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Burbank (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Mackenzie (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Burbank and $1,900 in Mackenzie. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Burbank and Mackenzie?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,658 from Burbank and $3,781 from Mackenzie to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Burbank and $192 from Mackenzie.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Burbank and Mackenzie?
At 3% annual cost growth, Burbank costs a cumulative $119,889 and Mackenzie costs $109,262 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,627 in favour of Mackenzie. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Burbank and Mackenzie 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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane City 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.