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Map of Grasstree Beach
24.8 km from Mackay CBD
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True annual cost of living in Grasstree Beach, QLD 4740

Living in a house in Grasstree Beach costs about $13,893 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Grasstree Beach sits 24.8 kilometres from Mackay CBD. Unit costs come in at $11,865, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,600 body corporate levy. At 24.8km from Mackay CBD, transport mode shifts the annual total by $5,787. The gap widens as commute costs rise.

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

3 key insights

Costs 7% more to run than the Mackay Regional Council average, cheaper than only 37% of suburbs in the region.
The commute is the biggest expense at $5,979, roughly 43% of the annual total.
Switching from driving to public transport saves $5,787 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
$13,893
Driving · per year
$1,158/month
Lower cost
Unit annual cost
$11,865
Incl. body corporate
$989/month
House vs unit difference
−$2,028
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 · 24.8km from Mackay CBD · 192 days
$5,979
Home insurance
Estimated · flood Low · fire Low
$4,400
Total annual running cost
$13,893
($1,158/month)
↑ 7% above Mackay Regional Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●○○ 5.8/10 Average
Cheaper to run than 37% 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 Grasstree Beach'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 Grasstree Beach

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.

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Frequently asked questions about Grasstree Beach

Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Grasstree Beach to Mackay CBD?

Public transport saves Grasstree Beach residents $5,787 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $5,979 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.

What are the council rates in Grasstree Beach?

Grasstree Beach 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 Grasstree Beach?

Running a unit in Grasstree Beach costs approximately $11,865 per year by car or $6,078 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 $710. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

Is Grasstree Beach close to public transport?

No scheduled public transport stop was found within a 2 km walk of the centre of Grasstree Beach. 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 Grasstree Beach?

Within a 2 km walk of the centre of Grasstree Beach 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.