Mackenzie vs Rochedale: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Mackenzie and Rochedale are both Brisbane City Council suburbs, sitting 12.9 km and 14.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Mackenzie runs $334 a year cheaper than Rochedale, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,829.
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 →Mackenzie
Rochedale
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Mackenzie | Rochedale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $950 | $950 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,781 | $4,215 | -$434 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,800 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,800 | $2,300 | +$500 |
| Total (driving) | $9,531 | $9,865 | -$334 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,942 | $5,842 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Mackenzie | Rochedale | 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 — Mackenzie vs Rochedale (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mackenzie costs $334 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,829 in favour of Mackenzie.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $434 per year. Rochedale is 14.8 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, $5,942 and $5,842 a year, so the $334 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 Mackenzie by $434 a year, $3,781 against $4,215.
- Building insurance favours Rochedale by $100 a year, $2,800 against $2,900.
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 and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Mackenzie cumulative | Rochedale cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,531 | $9,865 | $334 |
| Year 3 | $29,459 | $30,492 | $1,033 |
| Year 5 | $50,601 | $52,375 | $1,774 |
| Year 10 | $109,262 | $113,091 | $3,829 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mackenzie or Rochedale cheaper to live in?
Mackenzie is cheaper to run by car at $9,531 per year versus $9,865 for Rochedale, a difference of $334 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Mackenzie and Rochedale?
Annual council rates for a house are $950 in Mackenzie (Brisbane City Council) and $950 in Rochedale (Brisbane City Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Mackenzie and $1,900 in Rochedale. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Mackenzie and Rochedale?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,781 from Mackenzie and $4,215 from Rochedale to Brisbane CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Mackenzie and $192 from Rochedale.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Mackenzie and Rochedale?
At 3% annual cost growth, Mackenzie costs a cumulative $109,262 and Rochedale costs $113,091 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,829 in favour of Mackenzie. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Mackenzie and Rochedale 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.