McEwens Beach vs Rosella: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
McEwens Beach and Rosella are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 10 km and 11 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $51 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 →McEwens Beach
Rosella
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | McEwens Beach | Rosella | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,957 | $3,206 | -$249 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,800 | $4,500 | +$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,000 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $11,271 | $11,220 | +$51 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,506 | $8,206 | +$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | McEwens Beach | Rosella | 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 — McEwens Beach vs Rosella (2026-27)
What the numbers show
McEwens Beach and Rosella cost within $51 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $584, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $300 per year.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $8,506 from McEwens Beach versus $8,206 from Rosella.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | McEwens Beach cumulative | Rosella cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,271 | $11,220 | $51 |
| Year 3 | $34,838 | $34,680 | $158 |
| Year 5 | $59,839 | $59,569 | $270 |
| Year 10 | $129,209 | $128,625 | $584 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is McEwens Beach or Rosella cheaper to live in?
Rosella is cheaper to run by car at $11,220 per year versus $11,271 for McEwens Beach, a difference of $51 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in McEwens Beach and Rosella?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in McEwens Beach (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in Rosella (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in McEwens Beach and $2,048 in Rosella. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between McEwens Beach and Rosella?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,957 from McEwens Beach and $3,206 from Rosella to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from McEwens Beach and $192 from Rosella.
What is the 10-year cost difference between McEwens Beach and Rosella?
At 3% annual cost growth, McEwens Beach costs a cumulative $129,209 and Rosella costs $128,625 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $584 in favour of Rosella. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of McEwens Beach and Rosella 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.