Mackay vs North Mackay, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Mackay and North Mackay are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 0.6 km and 3.1 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Mackay runs $527 a year cheaper than North Mackay, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $6,041.
Over 10 years, Mackay costs about $6,000 less to run than North Mackay. That's about $12 a week.
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North Mackay
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Mackay | North Mackay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $514 | $1,041 | -$527 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $3,700 | $3,700 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $3,800 | $2,600 | +$1,200 |
| Total (driving) | $7,728 | $8,255 | -$527 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,406 | $7,406 | - |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Mackay | North Mackay | 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, Mackay vs North Mackay (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mackay costs $527 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $6,041 in favour of Mackay.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $527 per year. North Mackay is 3.1 km from Mackay CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,406 and $7,406 a year, so the $527 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
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 Mackay by $527 a year, $514 against $1,041.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,700 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.
Flood risk is rated medium in North Mackay against low in Mackay, which feeds the insurance estimate.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Mackay cumulative | North Mackay cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,728 | $8,255 | $527 |
| Year 3 | $23,886 | $25,515 | $1,629 |
| Year 5 | $41,029 | $43,827 | $2,798 |
| Year 10 | $88,593 | $94,634 | $6,041 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mackay or North Mackay cheaper to live in?
Mackay is cheaper to run by car at $7,728 per year versus $8,255 for North Mackay, a difference of $527 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Mackay and North Mackay?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Mackay (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in North Mackay (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Mackay and $2,048 in North Mackay. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Mackay and North Mackay?
Annual driving commute costs are $514 from Mackay and $1,041 from North Mackay to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Mackay and $192 from North Mackay.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Mackay and North Mackay?
At 3% annual cost growth, Mackay costs a cumulative $88,593 and North Mackay costs $94,634 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $6,041 in favour of Mackay. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Mackay and North Mackay suits you better?
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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 insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.