Congarinni North vs North Macksville, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Congarinni North and North Macksville are both Nambucca Valley rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 47.2 km and 45.8 km from Coffs Harbour CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $80 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.
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North Macksville
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Congarinni North | North Macksville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,175 | $1,175 | - |
| Water & sewerage Estimated | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $6,762 | $6,842 | -$80 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $6,762 | $6,842 | -$80 |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,350 | $2,350 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,587 | $11,667 | -$80 |
| Total (public transport) | $11,587 | $11,667 | -$80 |
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: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Congarinni North | North Macksville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,774 | $2,774 | - |
| Unit | $2,329 | $2,329 | - |
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, Congarinni North vs North Macksville (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Congarinni North and North Macksville cost within $80 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $917, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $80 per year. Congarinni North is 47.2 km from Coffs Harbour CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $11,587 and $11,667 a year, so the $80 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,175 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute favours Congarinni North by $80 a year, $6,762 against $6,842.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,350 a year.
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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Congarinni North cumulative | North Macksville cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,587 | $11,667 | $80 |
| Year 3 | $35,814 | $36,062 | $248 |
| Year 5 | $61,517 | $61,942 | $425 |
| Year 10 | $132,832 | $133,749 | $917 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Congarinni North or North Macksville cheaper to live in?
Congarinni North is cheaper to run by car at $11,587 per year versus $11,667 for North Macksville, a difference of $80 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Congarinni North and North Macksville?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,175 in Congarinni North (Nambucca Valley rates (OLG) and $1,175 in North Macksville (Nambucca Valley rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Congarinni North and $1,300 in North Macksville. Both figures are the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by each council's IPART rate peg.
How does the commute cost compare between Congarinni North and North Macksville?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,762 from Congarinni North and $6,842 from North Macksville to Coffs Harbour CBD (ATO 91c/km). No daily public transport commute is assumed from either suburb, so both are costed by car.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Congarinni North and North Macksville?
At 3% annual cost growth, Congarinni North costs a cumulative $132,832 and North Macksville costs $133,749 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $917 in favour of Congarinni North. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Congarinni North and North Macksville suits you better?
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: Nambucca Valley rates (OLG and Nambucca Valley rates (OLG 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.