Foulden vs Glenella: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Foulden and Glenella are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 4.2 km and 6.3 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Foulden runs $1,237 a year cheaper than Glenella, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $14,180.
Over 10 years, Foulden costs about $14,200 less to run than Glenella — the same as paying $14,200 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Glenella
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Foulden | Glenella | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,391 | $2,028 | -$637 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,200 | $4,800 | -$600 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,200 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $9,105 | $10,342 | -$1,237 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,906 | $8,506 | -$600 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Foulden | Glenella | 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 — Foulden vs Glenella (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Foulden costs $1,237 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $14,180 in favour of Foulden.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $637 per year. Glenella is 6.3 km from Mackay CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $600 per year, $7,906 from Foulden versus $8,506 from Glenella.
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 Foulden by $637 a year, $1,391 against $2,028.
- Building insurance favours Foulden by $600 a year, $4,200 against $4,800.
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 | Foulden cumulative | Glenella cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,105 | $10,342 | $1,237 |
| Year 3 | $28,143 | $31,966 | $3,823 |
| Year 5 | $48,340 | $54,907 | $6,567 |
| Year 10 | $104,379 | $118,559 | $14,180 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Foulden or Glenella cheaper to live in?
Foulden is cheaper to run by car at $9,105 per year versus $10,342 for Glenella, a difference of $1,237 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Foulden and Glenella?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Foulden (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Glenella (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Foulden and $2,048 in Glenella. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Foulden and Glenella?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,391 from Foulden and $2,028 from Glenella to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Foulden and $192 from Glenella.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Foulden and Glenella?
At 3% annual cost growth, Foulden costs a cumulative $104,379 and Glenella costs $118,559 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $14,180 in favour of Foulden. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Foulden and Glenella 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.