Glenlogan vs South Maclean: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Glenlogan and South Maclean are both Logan City Council suburbs, sitting 40.6 km and 36.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $242 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 →Glenlogan
South Maclean
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Glenlogan | South Maclean | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,699 | $1,699 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,149 | $2,149 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,987 | $6,929 | +$58 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,200 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $2,000 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $13,735 | $13,977 | -$242 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,940 | $7,240 | -$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Glenlogan | South Maclean | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
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 — Glenlogan vs South Maclean (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Glenlogan and South Maclean cost within $242 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,775, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $300 per year.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $6,940 from Glenlogan versus $7,240 from South Maclean.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,699 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,149 a year.
- Driving commute favours South Maclean by $58 a year, $6,929 against $6,987.
- Building insurance favours Glenlogan by $300 a year, $2,900 against $3,200.
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 | Glenlogan cumulative | South Maclean cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,735 | $13,977 | $242 |
| Year 3 | $42,454 | $43,202 | $748 |
| Year 5 | $72,921 | $74,206 | $1,285 |
| Year 10 | $157,456 | $160,231 | $2,775 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Glenlogan or South Maclean cheaper to live in?
Glenlogan is cheaper to run by car at $13,735 per year versus $13,977 for South Maclean, a difference of $242 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Glenlogan and South Maclean?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,699 in Glenlogan (Logan City Council) and $1,699 in South Maclean (Logan City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,149 in Glenlogan and $2,149 in South Maclean. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Glenlogan and South Maclean?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,987 from Glenlogan and $6,929 from South Maclean to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Glenlogan and $192 from South Maclean.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Glenlogan and South Maclean?
At 3% annual cost growth, Glenlogan costs a cumulative $157,456 and South Maclean costs $160,231 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,775 in favour of Glenlogan. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Glenlogan and South Maclean 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: Logan City Council and Logan City 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.