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Map of Mackay Harbour
4.9 km from Mackay CBD
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True annual cost of living in Mackay Harbour, QLD 4740

Living in a house in Mackay Harbour costs about $10,321 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Mackay Harbour sits 4.9 kilometres from Mackay CBD. Unit costs come in at $8,693, as lower council rates more than offset the $2,800 body corporate levy. Transport mode has the biggest effect on total cost in a suburb this close to the city.

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

3 key insights

Cheaper to run than 85% of Mackay Regional Council suburbs, about 21% below the regional average.
Home insurance is the biggest expense at $5,200, roughly 50% of the annual total.
Switching from driving to public transport saves $1,415 a year.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →
House annual cost
$10,321
Driving · per year
$860/month
Lower cost
Unit annual cost
$8,693
Incl. body corporate
$724/month
House vs unit difference
−$1,628
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 · 4.9km from Mackay CBD · 192 days
$1,607
Home insurance
Estimated · flood Low · fire Low
$5,200
Total annual running cost
$10,321
($860/month)
↓ 21% below Mackay Regional Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●●○ 8.1/10 Excellent
Cheaper to run than 85% 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 Mackay Harbour'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 Mackay Harbour

within a 2 km walk
Nearest stop
No scheduled service within a 2 km walk of the suburb centre.
Nearest hospital
North Mackay Private Hospital, 4,863 m away, about a 61 minute walk.
Supermarkets
0
Cafes
1
Parks
18
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 Mackay Harbour with another suburb

Frequently asked questions about Mackay Harbour

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

Public transport saves Mackay Harbour residents $1,415 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $1,607 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.

What are the council rates in Mackay Harbour?

Mackay Harbour 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 Mackay Harbour?

Running a unit in Mackay Harbour costs approximately $8,693 per year by car or $7,278 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,528, water and sewerage $2,048, estimated body corporate levy of $2,800, and contents insurance of $710. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.

Is Mackay Harbour close to public transport?

No scheduled public transport stop was found within a 2 km walk of the centre of Mackay Harbour. 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 is the closest hospital to Mackay Harbour?

The closest hospital to the centre of Mackay Harbour is North Mackay Private Hospital, about 4,863 m away, about a 61 minute walk. Distance is straight line from the suburb centre and does not account for the road route or whether the hospital has an emergency department.

What shops and parks are in Mackay Harbour?

Within a 2 km walk of the centre of Mackay Harbour there are 0 supermarkets, 1 cafe and 18 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.