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Council rates: 2026-27 · Water & commute: 2025-26 · Sources: council websites, QUU, ATO, ABS

Abermain vs Neath: true annual running costs compared (2026)

Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks

Abermain and Neath are both Cessnock rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 119 km and 117.7 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.

The verdict
Abermain and Neath cost about the same to live in

The two sit within $0 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.

$0difference per year
$0over 10 years
council ratesbiggest cost driver
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →

Abermain

2326 · Cessnock rates (OLG · 119 km from CBD
$22,835
Total annual cost (driving)
Public transport total$7,635
School score3.9/10
Flood & fire riskIn report

Neath

2326 · Cessnock rates (OLG · 117.7 km from CBD
$22,835
Total annual cost (driving)
Public transport total$7,635
School score3.9/10
Flood & fire riskIn report

Annual cost breakdown

CategoryAbermainNeathDifference
Council rates$1,458$1,458-
Water & sewerage$1,377$1,377-
Commute (driving)$17,600$17,600-
Commute (public transport)$2,400$2,400-
Home insurance$2,400$2,400-
Body corporate (unit)$1,800$1,800-
Total (driving)$22,835$22,835-
Total (public transport)$7,635$7,635-

Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).

Estimated electricity cost typical 2-person household
DwellingAbermainNeathDifference
House$2,148$2,148-
Unit$1,716$1,716-

Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2025 rates (QLD 30c/kWh, NSW 33c/kWh incl. supply charge; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.

Cost breakdown chart

Annual cost breakdown — Abermain vs Neath (2026-27)

What the numbers show

Abermain and Neath cost within $0 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $0, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.

The biggest single gap is council rates at $0 per year.

On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,635 and $7,635 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.

10-year cumulative cost projection

YearAbermain cumulativeNeath cumulativeDifference
Year 1$22,835$22,835$0
Year 3$70,581$70,581$0
Year 5$121,234$121,234$0
Year 10$261,778$261,778$0

Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Is Abermain or Neath cheaper to live in?

    Abermain is cheaper to run by car at $22,835 per year versus $22,835 for Neath, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.

  2. What are council rates in Abermain and Neath?

    Annual council rates for a house are $1,458 in Abermain (Cessnock rates (OLG) and $1,458 in Neath (Cessnock rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,377 in Abermain and $1,377 in Neath. Both figures are the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by each council's IPART rate peg.

  3. How does the commute cost compare between Abermain and Neath?

    Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Abermain and $17,600 from Neath to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Abermain and $2,400 from Neath.

  4. What is the 10-year cost difference between Abermain and Neath?

    At 3% annual cost growth, Abermain costs a cumulative $261,778 and Neath costs $261,778 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Abermain. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.

Which of Abermain and Neath is best to actually live in?

You've got the costs. Get the free personalised report for the rest: a clear verdict on which suburb wins, the full flood, fire and crime risk profile, nearest schools, estimated electricity cost by number of occupants, and your own loan or rent stress-tested over 10 years. No spam.

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Related comparisons

Sources: Cessnock rates (OLG and Cessnock rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.