Racecourse vs West Mackay, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Racecourse and West Mackay are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 5.4 km and 2.5 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
West Mackay runs $914 a year cheaper than Racecourse, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $10,478.
Over 10 years, West Mackay costs about $10,500 less to run than Racecourse. That's about $20 a week.
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West Mackay
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Racecourse | West Mackay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,466 | $1,466 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $2,048 | $2,048 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $1,760 | $846 | +$914 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $3,700 | $3,700 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,200 | $2,200 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,974 | $8,060 | +$914 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,406 | $7,406 | - |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Racecourse | West 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, Racecourse vs West Mackay (2026-27)
What the numbers show
West Mackay costs $914 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $10,478 in favour of West Mackay.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $914 per year. Racecourse is 5.4 km from Mackay CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,406 and $7,406 a year, so the $914 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
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 West Mackay by $914 a year, $846 against $1,760.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,700 a year.
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.
Flood risk is rated medium in West Mackay against low in Racecourse, which feeds the insurance estimate.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Racecourse cumulative | West Mackay cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,974 | $8,060 | $914 |
| Year 3 | $27,738 | $24,913 | $2,825 |
| Year 5 | $47,644 | $42,792 | $4,852 |
| Year 10 | $102,877 | $92,399 | $10,478 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Racecourse or West Mackay cheaper to live in?
West Mackay is cheaper to run by car at $8,060 per year versus $8,974 for Racecourse, a difference of $914 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Racecourse and West Mackay?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in Racecourse (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in West Mackay (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in Racecourse and $2,048 in West Mackay. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Racecourse and West Mackay?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,760 from Racecourse and $846 from West Mackay to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Racecourse and $192 from West Mackay.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Racecourse and West Mackay?
At 3% annual cost growth, Racecourse costs a cumulative $102,877 and West Mackay costs $92,399 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $10,478 in favour of West Mackay. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Racecourse and West Mackay suits you better?
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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 insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.