Mena Creek vs Utchee Creek: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Mena Creek and Utchee Creek are both Cassowary Coast Regional Council suburbs, sitting 84.7 km and 80.9 km from Cairns CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $233 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 | $1,415 | $1,415 | - |
| Water & sewerage stand-in | $1,765 | $1,765 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,700 | $3,533 | +$167 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $6,800 | $7,200 | -$400 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,600 | $1,500 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $13,680 | $13,913 | -$233 |
| Total (public transport) | $10,172 | $10,572 | -$400 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Mena Creek's water charge is Cairns Regional Council Water & Sewerage's, standing in until its own council's schedule is loaded. Utchee Creek's water charge is Cairns Regional Council Water & Sewerage's, standing in until its own council's schedule is loaded. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Mena Creek | Utchee Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,373 | $2,373 | - |
| Unit | $1,945 | $1,945 | - |
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 — Mena Creek vs Utchee Creek (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mena Creek and Utchee Creek cost within $233 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,671, 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, $10,172 from Mena Creek versus $10,572 from Utchee Creek.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,415 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,765 a year.
- Driving commute favours Utchee Creek by $167 a year, $3,533 against $3,700.
- Building insurance favours Mena Creek by $400 a year, $6,800 against $7,200.
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 | Mena Creek cumulative | Utchee Creek cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,680 | $13,913 | $233 |
| Year 3 | $42,284 | $43,004 | $720 |
| Year 5 | $72,629 | $73,866 | $1,237 |
| Year 10 | $156,826 | $159,497 | $2,671 |
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 $13,680 per year versus $13,913 for Utchee Creek, a difference of $233 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/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 $1,415 in Mena Creek (Cassowary Coast Regional Council) and $1,415 in Utchee Creek (Cassowary Coast 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 $3,700 from Mena Creek and $3,533 from Utchee Creek to Cairns CBD (ATO 91c/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 $156,826 and Utchee Creek costs $159,497 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,671 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: Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Cassowary Coast 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.