East Mackay vs Mackay: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
East Mackay and Mackay are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 1.6 km and 0.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Mackay runs $329 a year cheaper than East Mackay, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,772.
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 →East Mackay
Mackay
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | East Mackay | Mackay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $530 | $201 | +$329 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $4,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,400 | $3,800 | -$1,400 |
| Total (driving) | $8,844 | $8,515 | +$329 |
| 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 | East Mackay | Mackay | 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 — East Mackay vs Mackay (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mackay costs $329 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,772 in favour of Mackay.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $329 per year. East Mackay is 1.6 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 $329 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | East Mackay cumulative | Mackay cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,844 | $8,515 | $329 |
| Year 3 | $27,336 | $26,319 | $1,017 |
| Year 5 | $46,954 | $45,207 | $1,747 |
| Year 10 | $101,387 | $97,615 | $3,772 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is East Mackay or Mackay cheaper to live in?
Mackay is cheaper to run by car at $8,515 per year versus $8,844 for East Mackay, a difference of $329 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in East Mackay and Mackay?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in East Mackay (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Mackay (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in East Mackay 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 East Mackay and Mackay?
Annual driving commute costs are $530 from East Mackay and $201 from Mackay to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from East Mackay and $192 from Mackay.
What is the 10-year cost difference between East Mackay and Mackay?
At 3% annual cost growth, East Mackay costs a cumulative $101,387 and Mackay costs $97,615 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,772 in favour of Mackay. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of East Mackay and Mackay 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.