Burbank vs Mackenzie: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/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 $898 a year cheaper than Burbank, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $10,295.
Over 10 years, Mackenzie costs about $10,300 less to run than Burbank — the same as paying $10,300 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 | $1,579 | $1,579 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,504 | $3,656 | +$848 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,900 | +$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $2,800 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $10,933 | $10,035 | +$898 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,621 | $6,571 | +$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Burbank | Mackenzie | 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 — Burbank vs Mackenzie (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mackenzie costs $898 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,295 in favour of Mackenzie.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $848 per year. Burbank is 16.9 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, $6,621 and $6,571 a year, so the $898 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Burbank cumulative | Mackenzie cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,933 | $10,035 | $898 |
| Year 3 | $33,793 | $31,017 | $2,776 |
| Year 5 | $58,045 | $53,277 | $4,768 |
| Year 10 | $125,335 | $115,040 | $10,295 |
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 $10,035 per year versus $10,933 for Burbank, a difference of $898 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Burbank and Mackenzie?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,579 in Burbank (Brisbane City Council) and $1,579 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 $4,504 from Burbank and $3,656 from Mackenzie to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/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 $125,335 and Mackenzie costs $115,040 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,295 in favour of Mackenzie. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Burbank and Mackenzie is best to actually live in?
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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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.