Back Forest vs Far Meadow: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Back Forest and Far Meadow are both Shoalhaven rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 49.4 km and 47.8 km from Wollongong CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $120 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 →Back Forest
Far Meadow
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Back Forest | Far Meadow | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,547 | $1,547 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,603 | $6,723 | -$120 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,550 | $12,670 | -$120 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,347 | $8,347 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Back Forest | Far Meadow | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,720 | $2,720 | - |
| Unit | $2,209 | $2,209 | - |
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 — Back Forest vs Far Meadow (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Back Forest and Far Meadow cost within $120 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,375, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $120 per year. Back Forest is 49.4 km from Wollongong CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,347 and $8,347 a year, so the $120 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,547 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute favours Back Forest by $120 a year, $6,603 against $6,723.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,100 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.
The catchment state school scores 7.7 in Far Meadow against 6.2 in Back Forest, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Back Forest cumulative | Far Meadow cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,550 | $12,670 | $120 |
| Year 3 | $38,791 | $39,162 | $371 |
| Year 5 | $66,630 | $67,267 | $637 |
| Year 10 | $143,872 | $145,247 | $1,375 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Back Forest or Far Meadow cheaper to live in?
Back Forest is cheaper to run by car at $12,550 per year versus $12,670 for Far Meadow, a difference of $120 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Back Forest and Far Meadow?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,547 in Back Forest (Shoalhaven rates (OLG) and $1,547 in Far Meadow (Shoalhaven rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Back Forest and $1,300 in Far Meadow. 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 Back Forest and Far Meadow?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,603 from Back Forest and $6,723 from Far Meadow to Wollongong CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Back Forest and $2,400 from Far Meadow.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Back Forest and Far Meadow?
At 3% annual cost growth, Back Forest costs a cumulative $143,872 and Far Meadow costs $145,247 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,375 in favour of Back Forest. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Back Forest and Far Meadow 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: Shoalhaven rates (OLG and Shoalhaven 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.