Barrack Point vs Warilla: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Barrack Point and Warilla are both Shellharbour rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 83.4 km and 82.5 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $38 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 →Barrack Point
Warilla
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Barrack Point | Warilla | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,865 | $1,865 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,523 | $3,485 | +$38 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,736 | $9,698 | +$38 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,613 | $8,613 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Barrack Point | Warilla | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,148 | $2,148 | - |
| Unit | $1,716 | $1,716 | - |
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 — Barrack Point vs Warilla (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Barrack Point and Warilla cost within $38 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $435, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $38 per year. Barrack Point is 83.4 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,613 and $8,613 a year, so the $38 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Barrack Point cumulative | Warilla cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,736 | $9,698 | $38 |
| Year 3 | $30,093 | $29,976 | $117 |
| Year 5 | $51,690 | $51,488 | $202 |
| Year 10 | $111,612 | $111,177 | $435 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Barrack Point or Warilla cheaper to live in?
Warilla is cheaper to run by car at $9,698 per year versus $9,736 for Barrack Point, a difference of $38 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Barrack Point and Warilla?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,865 in Barrack Point (Shellharbour rates (OLG) and $1,865 in Warilla (Shellharbour rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Barrack Point and $1,548 in Warilla. 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 Barrack Point and Warilla?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,523 from Barrack Point and $3,485 from Warilla to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Barrack Point and $2,400 from Warilla.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Barrack Point and Warilla?
At 3% annual cost growth, Barrack Point costs a cumulative $111,612 and Warilla costs $111,177 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $435 in favour of Warilla. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Barrack Point and Warilla 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: Shellharbour rates (OLG and Shellharbour 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.