Riverbend 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
Riverbend and South Maclean are both Logan City Council suburbs, sitting 40 km and 36.3 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $243 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 →Riverbend
South Maclean
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Riverbend | South Maclean | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,816 | $1,816 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,149 | $2,149 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,758 | $6,701 | +$57 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $3,200 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $2,000 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $13,623 | $13,866 | -$243 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,057 | $7,357 | -$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Riverbend | 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 — Riverbend vs South Maclean (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Riverbend and South Maclean cost within $243 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,786, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $300 per year.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $7,057 from Riverbend versus $7,357 from South Maclean.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Riverbend cumulative | South Maclean cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,623 | $13,866 | $243 |
| Year 3 | $42,107 | $42,858 | $751 |
| Year 5 | $72,326 | $73,616 | $1,290 |
| Year 10 | $156,172 | $158,958 | $2,786 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Riverbend or South Maclean cheaper to live in?
Riverbend is cheaper to run by car at $13,623 per year versus $13,866 for South Maclean, a difference of $243 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Riverbend and South Maclean?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,816 in Riverbend (Logan City Council) and $1,816 in South Maclean (Logan City Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,149 in Riverbend 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 Riverbend and South Maclean?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,758 from Riverbend and $6,701 from South Maclean to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Riverbend and $192 from South Maclean.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Riverbend and South Maclean?
At 3% annual cost growth, Riverbend costs a cumulative $156,172 and South Maclean costs $158,958 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,786 in favour of Riverbend. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Riverbend 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.