North Maclean vs South Maclean: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
North Maclean and South Maclean are both Logan City Council suburbs, sitting 33.2 km and 36.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
North Maclean runs $338 a year cheaper than South Maclean, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,875.
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 →North Maclean
South Maclean
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | North Maclean | South Maclean | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,816 | $1,816 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,149 | $2,149 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,563 | $6,701 | -$138 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $3,200 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,200 | $2,000 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $13,528 | $13,866 | -$338 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,157 | $7,357 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | North Maclean | South Maclean | 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 — North Maclean vs South Maclean (2026-27)
What the numbers show
North Maclean costs $338 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,875 in favour of North Maclean.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $200 per year.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $7,157 from North Maclean versus $7,357 from South Maclean.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | North Maclean cumulative | South Maclean cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,528 | $13,866 | $338 |
| Year 3 | $41,814 | $42,858 | $1,044 |
| Year 5 | $71,822 | $73,616 | $1,794 |
| Year 10 | $155,083 | $158,958 | $3,875 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is North Maclean or South Maclean cheaper to live in?
North Maclean is cheaper to run by car at $13,528 per year versus $13,866 for South Maclean, a difference of $338 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in North Maclean and South Maclean?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,816 in North Maclean (Logan City Council) and $1,816 in South Maclean (Logan City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,149 in North Maclean and $2,149 in South Maclean. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between North Maclean and South Maclean?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,563 from North Maclean and $6,701 from South Maclean to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from North Maclean and $192 from South Maclean.
What is the 10-year cost difference between North Maclean and South Maclean?
At 3% annual cost growth, North Maclean costs a cumulative $155,083 and South Maclean costs $158,958 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,875 in favour of North Maclean. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of North Maclean and South Maclean 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: Logan City Council and Logan City 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.