Cremorne vs Mackay, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Cremorne and Mackay are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 1.6 km and 0.6 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $16 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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Mackay
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cremorne | Mackay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $548 | $514 | +$34 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $3,650 | $3,700 | -$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $3,000 | $3,800 | -$800 |
| Total (driving) | $7,712 | $7,728 | -$16 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,356 | $7,406 | -$50 |
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: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Cremorne | Mackay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,140 | $2,140 | - |
| Unit | $1,770 | $1,770 | - |
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, Cremorne vs Mackay (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Cremorne and Mackay cost within $16 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $184, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $50 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,356 and $7,406 a year, so the $16 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,466 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,048 a year.
- Driving commute favours Mackay by $34 a year, $514 against $548.
- Building insurance favours Cremorne by $50 a year, $3,650 against $3,700.
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 | Cremorne cumulative | Mackay cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,712 | $7,728 | $16 |
| Year 3 | $23,837 | $23,886 | $49 |
| Year 5 | $40,944 | $41,029 | $85 |
| Year 10 | $88,409 | $88,593 | $184 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cremorne or Mackay cheaper to live in?
Cremorne is cheaper to run by car at $7,712 per year versus $7,728 for Mackay, a difference of $16 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Cremorne and Mackay?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Cremorne (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Mackay (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Cremorne and $2,048 in Mackay. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Cremorne and Mackay?
Annual driving commute costs are $548 from Cremorne and $514 from Mackay to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Cremorne and $192 from Mackay.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Cremorne and Mackay?
At 3% annual cost growth, Cremorne costs a cumulative $88,409 and Mackay costs $88,593 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $184 in favour of Cremorne. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Cremorne and Mackay suits you better?
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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 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.