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105.0 km from CBD
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True annual cost of living in Macalister, QLD 4406

Living in a house in Macalister costs about $23,332 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Macalister sits 105.0 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Unit costs come in at $23,102, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,400 body corporate levy. At 105.0km, the commute dominates running costs. Drivers pay $17,408 more per year than public transport users.

Last updated July 2026 · Toowoomba Regional Council rates 2026-27, ATO 88c/km, AER electricity benchmarks

3 key insights
Costs 85% more to run than the Toowoomba Regional Council average, cheaper than only 15% of suburbs in the region.
The commute is the biggest expense at $17,600, roughly 75% of the annual total.
Switching from driving to public transport saves $17,408 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
$23,332
Driving · per year
$1,944/month
Lower cost
Unit annual cost
$23,102
Incl. body corporate
$1,925/month
House vs unit difference
−$230
Unit is cheaper per year
Annual cost breakdown
Council rates
Toowoomba Regional Council 2026-27 · minimum rate
$1,444
Water & sewerage
Toowoomba Regional Council Water & Sewerage 2026-27
$2,188
Driving commute
ATO 88c/km · 105.0km from CBD · 192 days
$17,600
Home insurance
Estimated · flood Low · fire Low
$2,100
Total annual running cost
$23,332
($1,944/month)
↑ 85% above Toowoomba Regional Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●○○○ 4.8/10 Poor
Cheaper to run than 15% of Toowoomba Regional Council suburbs. Score blends running cost (50%), schools (20%) and flood & fire risk (30%).
Estimated electricity cost typical 2-person household
House
$2,218/yr
5,933 kWh
Unit
$1,773/yr
4,450 kWh
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Macalister's climate zone at 2025 rates. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Compare Macalister with another suburb
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Macalister to the CBD?
Public transport saves Macalister residents $17,408 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $17,600 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Macalister?
Macalister falls under Toowoomba Regional Council. The minimum residential general rate for 2026-27 is $1,444 per year for an owner-occupied house. Properties on higher land value pay more. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,444 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Macalister?
Running a unit in Macalister costs approximately $23,102 per year by car or $5,694 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,444, water and sewerage $2,188, estimated body corporate levy of $1,400, and contents insurance of $470. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

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Data sources: Council rates: Toowoomba Regional Council 2026-27. Water: Toowoomba Regional Council Water & Sewerage 2026-27. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2025–26 (88c/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.