Anambah vs Melville: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Anambah and Melville are both Maitland rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 37.6 km and 36.7 km from Newcastle CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $23 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. The difference here isn't money — it's location, schools and lifestyle.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →Anambah
Melville
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Anambah | Melville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,970 | $1,970 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,377 | $1,377 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,964 | $6,941 | +$23 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,450 | $2,450 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,761 | $12,738 | +$23 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,197 | $8,197 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Anambah | Melville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,342 | $2,342 | - |
| Unit | $1,909 | $1,909 | - |
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 — Anambah vs Melville (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Anambah and Melville cost within $23 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $264, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $23 per year. Anambah is 37.6 km from Newcastle CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,197 and $8,197 a year, so the $23 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,970 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,377 a year.
- Driving commute favours Melville by $23 a year, $6,941 against $6,964.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,450 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 | Anambah cumulative | Melville cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,761 | $12,738 | $23 |
| Year 3 | $39,443 | $39,372 | $71 |
| Year 5 | $67,750 | $67,628 | $122 |
| Year 10 | $146,291 | $146,027 | $264 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anambah or Melville cheaper to live in?
Melville is cheaper to run by car at $12,738 per year versus $12,761 for Anambah, a difference of $23 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Anambah and Melville?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,970 in Anambah (Maitland rates (OLG) and $1,970 in Melville (Maitland rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,377 in Anambah and $1,377 in Melville. 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 Anambah and Melville?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,964 from Anambah and $6,941 from Melville to Newcastle CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Anambah and $2,400 from Melville.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Anambah and Melville?
At 3% annual cost growth, Anambah costs a cumulative $146,291 and Melville costs $146,027 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $264 in favour of Melville. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Anambah and Melville 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.
Related comparisons
Sources: Maitland rates (OLG and Maitland rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.