Mackay vs South Mackay: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Mackay and South Mackay are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 0.6 km and 2.1 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Mackay runs $490 a year cheaper than South Mackay, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $5,617.
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 →Mackay
South Mackay
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Mackay | South Mackay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $201 | $691 | -$490 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $4,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,800 | $2,200 | +$1,600 |
| Total (driving) | $8,515 | $9,005 | -$490 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,506 | $8,506 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Mackay | South Mackay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $1,976 | $1,976 | - |
| Unit | $1,591 | $1,591 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2025 rates (QLD 30c/kWh, NSW 33c/kWh incl. supply charge; 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 South Mackay (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mackay costs $490 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $5,617 in favour of Mackay.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $490 per year. South Mackay is 2.1 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,506 and $8,506 a year, so the $490 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Mackay cumulative | South Mackay cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,515 | $9,005 | $490 |
| Year 3 | $26,319 | $27,834 | $1,515 |
| Year 5 | $45,207 | $47,809 | $2,602 |
| Year 10 | $97,615 | $103,232 | $5,617 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mackay or South Mackay cheaper to live in?
Mackay is cheaper to run by car at $8,515 per year versus $9,005 for South Mackay, a difference of $490 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Mackay and South Mackay?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Mackay (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in South Mackay (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Mackay and $2,048 in South 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 South Mackay?
Annual driving commute costs are $201 from Mackay and $691 from South Mackay to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Mackay and $192 from South Mackay.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Mackay and South Mackay?
At 3% annual cost growth, Mackay costs a cumulative $97,615 and South Mackay costs $103,232 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $5,617 in favour of Mackay. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Mackay and South Mackay 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: Mackay Regional Council and Mackay Regional Council rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.