Mackay vs South 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 South Mackay are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 0.6 km and 2.1 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $201 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 →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) | $514 | $715 | -$201 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $4,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,800 | $2,200 | +$1,600 |
| Total (driving) | $8,828 | $9,029 | -$201 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,506 | $8,506 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Mackay | South 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 South Mackay (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mackay and South Mackay cost within $201 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,304, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $201 per year. South Mackay is 2.1 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, $8,506 and $8,506 a year, so the $201 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 $201 a year, $514 against $715.
- Building insurance is identical at $4,800 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 | Mackay cumulative | South Mackay cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,828 | $9,029 | $201 |
| Year 3 | $27,286 | $27,908 | $622 |
| Year 5 | $46,869 | $47,936 | $1,067 |
| Year 10 | $101,203 | $103,507 | $2,304 |
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 $8,828 per year versus $9,029 for South Mackay, a difference of $201 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/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 $514 from Mackay and $715 from South Mackay to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/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 $101,203 and South Mackay costs $103,507 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,304 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.