Ardglen vs Chilcotts Creek: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Ardglen and Chilcotts Creek are both Liverpool Plains rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 243 km and 246.6 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $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.
Ardglen
Chilcotts Creek
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ardglen | Chilcotts Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $967 | $967 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $2,000 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $21,867 | $21,867 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $6,667 | $6,667 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Ardglen | Chilcotts Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,420 | $2,453 | -$33 |
| Unit | $1,920 | $1,944 | -$24 |
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 — Ardglen vs Chilcotts Creek (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Ardglen and Chilcotts Creek 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, $6,667 and $6,667 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Ardglen cumulative | Chilcotts Creek cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $21,867 | $21,867 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $67,589 | $67,589 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $116,095 | $116,095 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $250,681 | $250,681 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ardglen or Chilcotts Creek cheaper to live in?
Ardglen is cheaper to run by car at $21,867 per year versus $21,867 for Chilcotts Creek, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Ardglen and Chilcotts Creek?
Annual council rates for a house are $967 in Ardglen (Liverpool Plains rates (OLG) and $967 in Chilcotts Creek (Liverpool Plains rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Ardglen and $1,300 in Chilcotts Creek. 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 Ardglen and Chilcotts Creek?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Ardglen and $17,600 from Chilcotts Creek to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Ardglen and $2,400 from Chilcotts Creek.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Ardglen and Chilcotts Creek?
At 3% annual cost growth, Ardglen costs a cumulative $250,681 and Chilcotts Creek costs $250,681 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Ardglen. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Ardglen and Chilcotts Creek 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: Liverpool Plains rates (OLG and Liverpool Plains 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.