Chelona vs Rosella: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Chelona and Rosella are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 13.2 km and 11 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Rosella runs $819 a year cheaper than Chelona, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $9,389.
Over 10 years, Rosella costs about $9,400 less to run than Chelona — the same as paying $9,400 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Rosella
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Chelona | Rosella | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,725 | $3,206 | +$519 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $4,500 | +$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,000 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,039 | $11,220 | +$819 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,506 | $8,206 | +$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Chelona | Rosella | 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 — Chelona vs Rosella (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Rosella costs $819 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $9,389 in favour of Rosella.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $519 per year. Chelona is 13.2 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $8,506 from Chelona versus $8,206 from Rosella.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Chelona cumulative | Rosella cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,039 | $11,220 | $819 |
| Year 3 | $37,211 | $34,680 | $2,531 |
| Year 5 | $63,917 | $59,569 | $4,348 |
| Year 10 | $138,014 | $128,625 | $9,389 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chelona or Rosella cheaper to live in?
Rosella is cheaper to run by car at $11,220 per year versus $12,039 for Chelona, a difference of $819 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Chelona and Rosella?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Chelona (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Rosella (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Chelona and $2,048 in Rosella. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Chelona and Rosella?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,725 from Chelona and $3,206 from Rosella to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Chelona and $192 from Rosella.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Chelona and Rosella?
At 3% annual cost growth, Chelona costs a cumulative $138,014 and Rosella costs $128,625 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $9,389 in favour of Rosella. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Chelona and Rosella is best to actually live in?
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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.