Albion Park vs Tullimbar, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Albion Park and Tullimbar are both Shellharbour rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 88.4 km and 89.6 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $53 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.
Over 10 years these two cost about the same to run.
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Tullimbar
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Albion Park | Tullimbar | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,865 | $1,865 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $3,861 | $3,914 | -$53 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,124 | $9,177 | -$53 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,663 | $7,663 | - |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Albion Park | Tullimbar | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,442 | $2,442 | - |
| Unit | $2,001 | $2,001 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown, Albion Park vs Tullimbar (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Albion Park and Tullimbar cost within $53 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $608, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $53 per year. Tullimbar is 89.6 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,663 and $7,663 a year, so the $53 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,865 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Albion Park by $53 a year, $3,861 against $3,914.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,850 a year.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Albion Park cumulative | Tullimbar cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,124 | $9,177 | $53 |
| Year 3 | $28,201 | $28,365 | $164 |
| Year 5 | $48,441 | $48,722 | $281 |
| Year 10 | $104,596 | $105,204 | $608 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Albion Park or Tullimbar cheaper to live in?
Albion Park is cheaper to run by car at $9,124 per year versus $9,177 for Tullimbar, a difference of $53 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Albion Park and Tullimbar?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,865 in Albion Park (Shellharbour rates (OLG) and $1,865 in Tullimbar (Shellharbour rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Albion Park and $1,548 in Tullimbar. Both figures are the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by each council's IPART rate peg.
How does the commute cost compare between Albion Park and Tullimbar?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,861 from Albion Park and $3,914 from Tullimbar to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Albion Park and $2,400 from Tullimbar.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Albion Park and Tullimbar?
At 3% annual cost growth, Albion Park costs a cumulative $104,596 and Tullimbar costs $105,204 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $608 in favour of Albion Park. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Albion Park and Tullimbar suits you better?
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Sources: Shellharbour rates (OLG and Shellharbour rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.