Badgerys Creek vs Luddenham: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Badgerys Creek (Liverpool rates (OLG) and Luddenham (Penrith rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (42.2 km and 44.4 km).
The two sit within $167 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 →Badgerys Creek
Luddenham
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Badgerys Creek | Luddenham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,604 | -$228 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,738 | $6,677 | +$61 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,150 | $2,150 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,812 | $11,979 | -$167 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,474 | $7,702 | -$228 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Badgerys Creek | Luddenham | 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 — Badgerys Creek vs Luddenham (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Badgerys Creek and Luddenham cost within $167 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,915, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $228 per year.
On public transport the gap is $228 per year, $7,474 from Badgerys Creek versus $7,702 from Luddenham.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Badgerys Creek cumulative | Luddenham cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,812 | $11,979 | $167 |
| Year 3 | $36,510 | $37,026 | $516 |
| Year 5 | $62,712 | $63,598 | $886 |
| Year 10 | $135,411 | $137,326 | $1,915 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Badgerys Creek or Luddenham cheaper to live in?
Badgerys Creek is cheaper to run by car at $11,812 per year versus $11,979 for Luddenham, a difference of $167 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Badgerys Creek and Luddenham?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Badgerys Creek (Liverpool rates (OLG) and $1,604 in Luddenham (Penrith rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Badgerys Creek and $1,548 in Luddenham. 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 Badgerys Creek and Luddenham?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,738 from Badgerys Creek and $6,677 from Luddenham to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Badgerys Creek and $2,400 from Luddenham.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Badgerys Creek and Luddenham?
At 3% annual cost growth, Badgerys Creek costs a cumulative $135,411 and Luddenham costs $137,326 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,915 in favour of Badgerys Creek. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Badgerys Creek and Luddenham 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 rates (OLG and Penrith 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.