Chelona vs Sandiford: 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 Sandiford are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 13.2 km and 13.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $134 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 →Chelona
Sandiford
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Chelona | Sandiford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,725 | $3,859 | -$134 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $4,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,000 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,039 | $12,173 | -$134 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,506 | $8,506 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Chelona | Sandiford | 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 Sandiford (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Chelona and Sandiford cost within $134 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,536, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $134 per year. Sandiford is 13.8 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, $8,506 and $8,506 a year, so the $134 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Chelona cumulative | Sandiford cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,039 | $12,173 | $134 |
| Year 3 | $37,211 | $37,626 | $415 |
| Year 5 | $63,917 | $64,628 | $711 |
| Year 10 | $138,014 | $139,550 | $1,536 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chelona or Sandiford cheaper to live in?
Chelona is cheaper to run by car at $12,039 per year versus $12,173 for Sandiford, a difference of $134 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Chelona and Sandiford?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Chelona (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Sandiford (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Chelona and $2,048 in Sandiford. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Chelona and Sandiford?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,725 from Chelona and $3,859 from Sandiford to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Chelona and $192 from Sandiford.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Chelona and Sandiford?
At 3% annual cost growth, Chelona costs a cumulative $138,014 and Sandiford costs $139,550 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,536 in favour of Chelona. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Chelona and Sandiford 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.
Related comparisons
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.