Aylmerton vs Balaclava: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Aylmerton and Balaclava are both Wingecarribee rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 89.9 km and 92.3 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $102 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 →Aylmerton
Balaclava
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Aylmerton | Balaclava | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $2,140 | $2,140 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,797 | $3,899 | -$102 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $2,000 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,237 | $9,339 | -$102 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,840 | $7,840 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Aylmerton | Balaclava | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,420 | $2,420 | - |
| Unit | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
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 — Aylmerton vs Balaclava (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Aylmerton and Balaclava cost within $102 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,169, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $102 per year. Balaclava is 92.3 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,840 and $7,840 a year, so the $102 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Aylmerton cumulative | Balaclava cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,237 | $9,339 | $102 |
| Year 3 | $28,551 | $28,866 | $315 |
| Year 5 | $49,040 | $49,582 | $542 |
| Year 10 | $105,892 | $107,061 | $1,169 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aylmerton or Balaclava cheaper to live in?
Aylmerton is cheaper to run by car at $9,237 per year versus $9,339 for Balaclava, a difference of $102 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Aylmerton and Balaclava?
Annual council rates for a house are $2,140 in Aylmerton (Wingecarribee rates (OLG) and $2,140 in Balaclava (Wingecarribee rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Aylmerton and $1,300 in Balaclava. 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 Aylmerton and Balaclava?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,797 from Aylmerton and $3,899 from Balaclava to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Aylmerton and $2,400 from Balaclava.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Aylmerton and Balaclava?
At 3% annual cost growth, Aylmerton costs a cumulative $105,892 and Balaclava costs $107,061 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,169 in favour of Aylmerton. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Aylmerton and Balaclava 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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Sources: Wingecarribee rates (OLG and Wingecarribee 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.