Lamb Island vs Macleay Island: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Lamb Island and Macleay Island are both Redland City Council suburbs, sitting 39 km and 36.6 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $45 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 →Lamb Island
Macleay Island
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Lamb Island | Macleay Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,436 | $1,436 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,308 | $2,308 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,984 | $6,939 | +$45 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,600 | -$600 |
| Total (driving) | $13,828 | $13,783 | +$45 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,036 | $7,036 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Lamb Island | Macleay Island | 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 — Lamb Island vs Macleay Island (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Lamb Island and Macleay Island cost within $45 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $516, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $45 per year. Lamb Island is 39 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,036 and $7,036 a year, so the $45 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,436 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,308 a year.
- Driving commute favours Macleay Island by $45 a year, $6,939 against $6,984.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,100 a year.
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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Lamb Island cumulative | Macleay Island cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,828 | $13,783 | $45 |
| Year 3 | $42,741 | $42,602 | $139 |
| Year 5 | $73,415 | $73,176 | $239 |
| Year 10 | $158,523 | $158,007 | $516 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lamb Island or Macleay Island cheaper to live in?
Macleay Island is cheaper to run by car at $13,783 per year versus $13,828 for Lamb Island, a difference of $45 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Lamb Island and Macleay Island?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,436 in Lamb Island (Redland City Council) and $1,436 in Macleay Island (Redland City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,308 in Lamb Island and $2,308 in Macleay Island. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Lamb Island and Macleay Island?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,984 from Lamb Island and $6,939 from Macleay Island to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Lamb Island and $192 from Macleay Island.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Lamb Island and Macleay Island?
At 3% annual cost growth, Lamb Island costs a cumulative $158,523 and Macleay Island costs $158,007 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $516 in favour of Macleay Island. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Lamb Island and Macleay Island 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: Redland City Council and Redland 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.