Dumbleton vs Erakala: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Dumbleton and Erakala are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 11.2 km and 7.2 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Erakala runs $1,477 a year cheaper than Dumbleton, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $16,933.
Over 10 years, Erakala costs about $16,900 less to run than Dumbleton — the same as paying $16,900 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Erakala
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Dumbleton | Erakala | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,366 | $2,289 | +$1,077 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,400 | $4,000 | +$400 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,280 | $9,803 | +$1,477 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,106 | $7,706 | +$400 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Dumbleton | Erakala | 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 — Dumbleton vs Erakala (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Erakala costs $1,477 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $16,933 in favour of Erakala.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $1,077 per year. Dumbleton is 11.2 km from Mackay CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $400 per year, $8,106 from Dumbleton versus $7,706 from Erakala.
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 Erakala by $1,077 a year, $2,289 against $3,366.
- Building insurance favours Erakala by $400 a year, $4,000 against $4,400.
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 | Dumbleton cumulative | Erakala cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,280 | $9,803 | $1,477 |
| Year 3 | $34,865 | $30,300 | $4,565 |
| Year 5 | $59,887 | $52,045 | $7,842 |
| Year 10 | $129,313 | $112,380 | $16,933 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dumbleton or Erakala cheaper to live in?
Erakala is cheaper to run by car at $9,803 per year versus $11,280 for Dumbleton, a difference of $1,477 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Dumbleton and Erakala?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Dumbleton (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Erakala (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Dumbleton and $2,048 in Erakala. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Dumbleton and Erakala?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,366 from Dumbleton and $2,289 from Erakala to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Dumbleton and $192 from Erakala.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Dumbleton and Erakala?
At 3% annual cost growth, Dumbleton costs a cumulative $129,313 and Erakala costs $112,380 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $16,933 in favour of Erakala. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Dumbleton and Erakala 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.