Bargo vs Buxton: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Bargo and Buxton are both Wollondilly rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 74.1 km and 75.5 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $61 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 →Bargo
Buxton
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Bargo | Buxton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $2,195 | $2,195 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,237 | $3,298 | -$61 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,380 | $9,441 | -$61 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,543 | $8,543 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Bargo | Buxton | 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 — Bargo vs Buxton (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bargo and Buxton cost within $61 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $699, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $61 per year. Buxton is 75.5 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,543 and $8,543 a year, so the $61 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $2,195 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Bargo by $61 a year, $3,237 against $3,298.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,400 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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Bargo cumulative | Buxton cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,380 | $9,441 | $61 |
| Year 3 | $28,993 | $29,181 | $188 |
| Year 5 | $49,800 | $50,124 | $324 |
| Year 10 | $107,531 | $108,230 | $699 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bargo or Buxton cheaper to live in?
Bargo is cheaper to run by car at $9,380 per year versus $9,441 for Buxton, a difference of $61 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Bargo and Buxton?
Annual council rates for a house are $2,195 in Bargo (Wollondilly rates (OLG) and $2,195 in Buxton (Wollondilly rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Bargo and $1,548 in Buxton. 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 Bargo and Buxton?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,237 from Bargo and $3,298 from Buxton to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Bargo and $2,400 from Buxton.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Bargo and Buxton?
At 3% annual cost growth, Bargo costs a cumulative $107,531 and Buxton costs $108,230 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $699 in favour of Bargo. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Bargo and Buxton 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: Wollondilly rates (OLG and Wollondilly 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.