Barker vs Bringelly, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Barker and Bringelly are both Camden rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 46.2 km and 45.1 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $55 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.
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Bringelly
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Barker | Bringelly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,573 | $1,573 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $6,821 | $6,876 | -$55 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,792 | $11,847 | -$55 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,371 | $7,371 | - |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Barker | Bringelly | 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, Barker vs Bringelly (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Barker and Bringelly cost within $55 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $631, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $55 per year. Barker is 46.2 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, $7,371 and $7,371 a year, so the $55 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,573 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Barker by $55 a year, $6,821 against $6,876.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,850 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 | Barker cumulative | Bringelly cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,792 | $11,847 | $55 |
| Year 3 | $36,448 | $36,618 | $170 |
| Year 5 | $62,605 | $62,897 | $292 |
| Year 10 | $135,182 | $135,813 | $631 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Barker or Bringelly cheaper to live in?
Barker is cheaper to run by car at $11,792 per year versus $11,847 for Bringelly, a difference of $55 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Barker and Bringelly?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,573 in Barker (Camden rates (OLG) and $1,573 in Bringelly (Camden rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Barker and $1,548 in Bringelly. 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 Barker and Bringelly?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,821 from Barker and $6,876 from Bringelly to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Barker and $2,400 from Bringelly.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Barker and Bringelly?
At 3% annual cost growth, Barker costs a cumulative $135,182 and Bringelly costs $135,813 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $631 in favour of Barker. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Barker and Bringelly suits you better?
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Sources: Camden rates (OLG and Camden rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.