South Mackay 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
South Mackay and West Mackay are both Mackay Regional Council suburbs, sitting 2.1 km and 2.5 km from Mackay CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $131 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, South Mackay costs about $1,500 less to run than West Mackay. That's about $3 a week.
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West Mackay
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | South Mackay | 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 | $715 | $846 | -$131 |
| 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) | $7,929 | $8,060 | -$131 |
| 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 | South Mackay | 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, South Mackay vs West Mackay (2026-27)
What the numbers show
South Mackay and West Mackay cost within $131 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,502, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $131 per year. West Mackay is 2.5 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 $131 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 South Mackay by $131 a year, $715 against $846.
- 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 South Mackay, which feeds the insurance estimate. The catchment state school scores 5.5 in West Mackay against 3.7 in South Mackay, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | South Mackay cumulative | West Mackay cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,929 | $8,060 | $131 |
| Year 3 | $24,508 | $24,913 | $405 |
| Year 5 | $42,096 | $42,792 | $696 |
| Year 10 | $90,897 | $92,399 | $1,502 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is South Mackay or West Mackay cheaper to live in?
South Mackay is cheaper to run by car at $7,929 per year versus $8,060 for West Mackay, a difference of $131 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in South Mackay and West Mackay?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,466 in South Mackay (Mackay Regional Council) and $1,466 in West Mackay (Mackay Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,048 in South Mackay 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 South Mackay and West Mackay?
Annual driving commute costs are $715 from South Mackay and $846 from West Mackay to Mackay CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from South Mackay and $192 from West Mackay.
What is the 10-year cost difference between South Mackay and West Mackay?
At 3% annual cost growth, South Mackay costs a cumulative $90,897 and West Mackay costs $92,399 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,502 in favour of South Mackay. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of South Mackay 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.