Maclagan vs North Maclagan: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Maclagan and North Maclagan are both Toowoomba Regional Council suburbs, sitting 62.5 km and 64.7 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
North Maclagan runs $539 a year cheaper than Maclagan, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $6,179.
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 →Maclagan
North Maclagan
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Maclagan | North Maclagan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,444 | $1,444 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,188 | $2,188 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,620 | $4,181 | +$439 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,200 | $2,100 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $1,500 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $10,452 | $9,913 | +$539 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,024 | $5,924 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Maclagan | North Maclagan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,115 | $2,115 | - |
| Unit | $1,696 | $1,696 | - |
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 — Maclagan vs North Maclagan (2026-27)
What the numbers show
North Maclagan costs $539 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $6,179 in favour of North Maclagan.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $439 per year. North Maclagan is 64.7 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, $6,024 and $5,924 a year, so the $539 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Maclagan cumulative | North Maclagan cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,452 | $9,913 | $539 |
| Year 3 | $32,306 | $30,640 | $1,666 |
| Year 5 | $55,491 | $52,629 | $2,862 |
| Year 10 | $119,820 | $113,641 | $6,179 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Maclagan or North Maclagan cheaper to live in?
North Maclagan is cheaper to run by car at $9,913 per year versus $10,452 for Maclagan, a difference of $539 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Maclagan and North Maclagan?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,444 in Maclagan (Toowoomba Regional Council) and $1,444 in North Maclagan (Toowoomba Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,188 in Maclagan and $2,188 in North Maclagan. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Maclagan and North Maclagan?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,620 from Maclagan and $4,181 from North Maclagan to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Maclagan and $192 from North Maclagan.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Maclagan and North Maclagan?
At 3% annual cost growth, Maclagan costs a cumulative $119,820 and North Maclagan costs $113,641 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $6,179 in favour of North Maclagan. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Maclagan and North Maclagan 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: Toowoomba Regional Council and Toowoomba 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.