Macgregor vs Sunnybank: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Macgregor and Sunnybank are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 11.6 km and 12.5 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $221 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 →Macgregor
Sunnybank
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Macgregor | Sunnybank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,465 | $3,686 | -$221 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $2,000 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,800 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $8,315 | $8,536 | -$221 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,042 | $5,042 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Macgregor | Sunnybank | 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 — Macgregor vs Sunnybank (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Macgregor and Sunnybank cost within $221 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,534, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $221 per year. Sunnybank is 12.5 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, $5,042 and $5,042 a year, so the $221 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $950 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Macgregor by $221 a year, $3,465 against $3,686.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,000 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.
The catchment state school scores 8.6 in Macgregor against 6.1 in Sunnybank, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Macgregor cumulative | Sunnybank cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,315 | $8,536 | $221 |
| Year 3 | $25,701 | $26,384 | $683 |
| Year 5 | $44,145 | $45,319 | $1,174 |
| Year 10 | $95,322 | $97,856 | $2,534 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Macgregor or Sunnybank cheaper to live in?
Macgregor is cheaper to run by car at $8,315 per year versus $8,536 for Sunnybank, a difference of $221 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Macgregor and Sunnybank?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Macgregor (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Sunnybank (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Macgregor and $1,900 in Sunnybank. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Macgregor and Sunnybank?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,465 from Macgregor and $3,686 from Sunnybank to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Macgregor and $192 from Sunnybank.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Macgregor and Sunnybank?
At 3% annual cost growth, Macgregor costs a cumulative $95,322 and Sunnybank costs $97,856 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,534 in favour of Macgregor. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Macgregor and Sunnybank 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: Brisbane City Council and Brisbane 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.