Paget vs South Mackay: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Paget and South Mackay are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 4.6 km and 2.1 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $200 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 →Paget
South Mackay
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Paget | South Mackay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,515 | $715 | +$800 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $4,200 | $4,800 | -$600 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $2,200 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $9,229 | $9,029 | +$200 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,906 | $8,506 | -$600 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Paget | South Mackay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,140 | $2,140 | - |
| Unit | $1,770 | $1,770 | - |
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 — Paget vs South Mackay (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Paget and South Mackay cost within $200 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,293, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $800 per year. Paget is 4.6 km from Mackay CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $600 per year, $7,906 from Paget versus $8,506 from South Mackay.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,466 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $2,048 a year.
- Driving commute favours South Mackay by $800 a year, $715 against $1,515.
- Building insurance favours Paget by $600 a year, $4,200 against $4,800.
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 | Paget cumulative | South Mackay cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,229 | $9,029 | $200 |
| Year 3 | $28,526 | $27,908 | $618 |
| Year 5 | $48,998 | $47,936 | $1,062 |
| Year 10 | $105,800 | $103,507 | $2,293 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paget or South Mackay cheaper to live in?
South Mackay is cheaper to run by car at $9,029 per year versus $9,229 for Paget, a difference of $200 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Paget and South Mackay?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Paget (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in South Mackay (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Paget and $2,048 in South Mackay. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Paget and South Mackay?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,515 from Paget and $715 from South Mackay to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Paget and $192 from South Mackay.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Paget and South Mackay?
At 3% annual cost growth, Paget costs a cumulative $105,800 and South Mackay costs $103,507 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,293 in favour of South Mackay. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Paget and South Mackay 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.