Mena Creek vs Utchee Creek: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Mena Creek and Utchee Creek are both Cairns Regional Council suburbs, sitting 84.7 km and 80.9 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $239 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 →Mena Creek
Utchee Creek
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Mena Creek | Utchee Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,165 | $1,165 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,578 | $3,417 | +$161 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,800 | $7,200 | -$400 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $1,500 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $13,308 | $13,547 | -$239 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,922 | $10,322 | -$400 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Mena Creek | Utchee Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,218 | $2,218 | - |
| Unit | $1,773 | $1,773 | - |
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 — Mena Creek vs Utchee Creek (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mena Creek and Utchee Creek cost within $239 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,740, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $400 per year.
On public transport the gap is $400 per year, $9,922 from Mena Creek versus $10,322 from Utchee Creek.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Mena Creek cumulative | Utchee Creek cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,308 | $13,547 | $239 |
| Year 3 | $41,134 | $41,872 | $738 |
| Year 5 | $70,654 | $71,923 | $1,269 |
| Year 10 | $152,561 | $155,301 | $2,740 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mena Creek or Utchee Creek cheaper to live in?
Mena Creek is cheaper to run by car at $13,308 per year versus $13,547 for Utchee Creek, a difference of $239 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Mena Creek and Utchee Creek?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,165 in Mena Creek (Cairns Regional Council) and $1,165 in Utchee Creek (Cairns Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,765 in Mena Creek and $1,765 in Utchee Creek. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Mena Creek and Utchee Creek?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,578 from Mena Creek and $3,417 from Utchee Creek to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Mena Creek and $192 from Utchee Creek.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Mena Creek and Utchee Creek?
At 3% annual cost growth, Mena Creek costs a cumulative $152,561 and Utchee Creek costs $155,301 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,740 in favour of Mena Creek. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Mena Creek and Utchee Creek 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: Cairns Regional Council and Cairns 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.