Baan Baa vs Harparary: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Baan Baa and Harparary are both Narrabri rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 385.5 km and 383.7 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.
Baan Baa
Harparary
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Baan Baa | Harparary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,178 | $1,178 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,450 | $2,450 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $22,528 | $22,528 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $7,328 | $7,328 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Baan Baa | Harparary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,453 | $2,453 | - |
| Unit | $1,944 | $1,944 | - |
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 — Baan Baa vs Harparary (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Baan Baa and Harparary 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, $7,328 and $7,328 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Baan Baa cumulative | Harparary cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $22,528 | $22,528 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $69,632 | $69,632 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $119,604 | $119,604 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $258,258 | $258,258 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Baan Baa or Harparary cheaper to live in?
Baan Baa is cheaper to run by car at $22,528 per year versus $22,528 for Harparary, 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 Baan Baa and Harparary?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,178 in Baan Baa (Narrabri rates (OLG) and $1,178 in Harparary (Narrabri rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Baan Baa and $1,300 in Harparary. 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 Baan Baa and Harparary?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Baan Baa and $17,600 from Harparary to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Baan Baa and $2,400 from Harparary.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Baan Baa and Harparary?
At 3% annual cost growth, Baan Baa costs a cumulative $258,258 and Harparary costs $258,258 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Baan Baa. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Baan Baa and Harparary 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: Narrabri rates (OLG and Narrabri 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.