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Map of Cape Hillsborough
30.4 km from Mackay CBD
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True annual cost of living in Cape Hillsborough, QLD 4740

Living in a house in Cape Hillsborough costs about $15,000 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Cape Hillsborough sits 30.4 kilometres from Mackay CBD. Unit costs come in at $12,492, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,600 body corporate levy. At 30.4km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $6,394 more per year than public transport users.

Last updated July 2026 · Mackay Regional Council rates 2026-27, ATO 91c/km, AER electricity benchmarks

3 key insights

Costs 15% more to run than the Mackay Regional Council average, cheaper than only 11% of suburbs in the region.
The commute is the biggest expense at $6,586, roughly 44% of the annual total.
Switching from driving to public transport saves $6,394 a year, a significant saving at this distance.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →
House annual cost
$15,000
Driving · per year
$1,250/month
Lower cost
Unit annual cost
$12,492
Incl. body corporate
$1,041/month
House vs unit difference
−$2,508
Unit is cheaper per year

Annual cost breakdown

Council rates
Mackay Regional Council 2026-27 · minimum rate
$1,466
Water & sewerage
Mackay Regional Council Water & Sewerage 2026-27
$2,048
Driving commute
ATO 91c/km · 30.4km from Mackay CBD · 192 days
$6,586
Home insurance
Estimated · flood Low · fire Low
$4,900
Total annual running cost
$15,000
($1,250/month)
↑ 15% above Mackay Regional Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●○○○ 4.5/10 Poor
Cheaper to run than 11% of Mackay Regional Council suburbs. Score blends running cost (50%), schools (20%) and flood & fire risk (30%).

Estimated electricity cost

typical 2-person household
House
$2,140/yr
5,126 kWh
Unit
$1,770/yr
3,845 kWh
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Cape Hillsborough's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for its electricity network. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.

Getting around Cape Hillsborough

within a 2 km walk
Nearest stop
No scheduled service within a 2 km walk of the suburb centre.
Supermarkets
0
Cafes
0
Parks
0
Counted from OpenStreetMap via Overpass inside a 2 km walking radius of the suburb centre, built 2026-08-07. Distances are straight line from that centre, so a specific address can be closer or further. Mapping is contributed and can lag a new opening.

Compare Cape Hillsborough with another suburb

Frequently asked questions about Cape Hillsborough

Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Cape Hillsborough to Mackay CBD?

Public transport saves Cape Hillsborough residents $6,394 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $6,586 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.

What are the council rates in Cape Hillsborough?

Cape Hillsborough falls under Mackay Regional Council. The minimum residential general rate for 2026-27 is $1,466 per year for an owner-occupied house. Properties on higher land value pay more. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,528 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.

What does it cost to run a unit in Cape Hillsborough?

Running a unit in Cape Hillsborough costs approximately $12,492 per year by car or $6,098 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,528, water and sewerage $2,048, estimated body corporate levy of $1,600, and contents insurance of $730. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

Is Cape Hillsborough close to public transport?

No scheduled public transport stop was found within a 2 km walk of the centre of Cape Hillsborough. The running cost on this page assumes driving, which is why the commute component is the largest line for most suburbs in this position.

What shops and parks are in Cape Hillsborough?

Within a 2 km walk of the centre of Cape Hillsborough there are 0 supermarkets, 0 cafes and 0 parks. These counts come from OpenStreetMap via Overpass, which is contributed mapping and can lag a recent opening or closure.

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Data sources: Council rates: Mackay Regional Council 2026-27. Water: Mackay Regional Council Water & Sewerage 2026-27. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2026–27 (91c/km). Insurance: AI-estimated, disclosed as estimate. Schools: ACARA ICSEA 2025. Risk: Queensland Globe, QFES. Data updated 2026-07.
Cost estimates are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute financial, insurance, or credit advice.