Dunnrock vs Rosella: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Dunnrock and Rosella are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 12.9 km and 11 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $166 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 →Dunnrock
Rosella
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Dunnrock | Rosella | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,781 | $3,315 | +$466 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,200 | $4,500 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,000 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $11,495 | $11,329 | +$166 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,906 | $8,206 | -$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Dunnrock | Rosella | 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 — Dunnrock vs Rosella (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Dunnrock and Rosella cost within $166 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,903, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $466 per year. Dunnrock is 12.9 km from Mackay CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $7,906 from Dunnrock versus $8,206 from Rosella.
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 Rosella by $466 a year, $3,315 against $3,781.
- Building insurance favours Dunnrock by $300 a year, $4,200 against $4,500.
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 | Dunnrock cumulative | Rosella cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,495 | $11,329 | $166 |
| Year 3 | $35,530 | $35,017 | $513 |
| Year 5 | $61,029 | $60,147 | $882 |
| Year 10 | $131,777 | $129,874 | $1,903 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dunnrock or Rosella cheaper to live in?
Rosella is cheaper to run by car at $11,329 per year versus $11,495 for Dunnrock, a difference of $166 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Dunnrock and Rosella?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Dunnrock (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Rosella (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Dunnrock 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 Dunnrock and Rosella?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,781 from Dunnrock and $3,315 from Rosella to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Dunnrock and $192 from Rosella.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Dunnrock and Rosella?
At 3% annual cost growth, Dunnrock costs a cumulative $131,777 and Rosella costs $129,874 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,903 in favour of Rosella. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Dunnrock and Rosella 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.
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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 AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.