Bathurst vs Kelso: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Bathurst and Kelso are both Bathurst Regional rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 0.8 km and 2.2 km from Bathurst CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $234 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 →Bathurst
Kelso
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Bathurst | Kelso | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,341 | $1,341 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $514 | $748 | -$234 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,700 | $1,700 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $4,855 | $5,089 | -$234 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,741 | $6,741 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Bathurst | Kelso | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $3,257 | $3,257 | - |
| Unit | $2,691 | $2,691 | - |
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 — Bathurst vs Kelso (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bathurst and Kelso cost within $234 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,683, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $234 per year. Kelso is 2.2 km from Bathurst CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,741 and $6,741 a year, so the $234 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,341 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute favours Bathurst by $234 a year, $514 against $748.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,700 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 5.6 in Bathurst against 2.5 in Kelso, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Bathurst cumulative | Kelso cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $4,855 | $5,089 | $234 |
| Year 3 | $15,006 | $15,730 | $724 |
| Year 5 | $25,776 | $27,018 | $1,242 |
| Year 10 | $55,657 | $58,340 | $2,683 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bathurst or Kelso cheaper to live in?
Bathurst is cheaper to run by car at $4,855 per year versus $5,089 for Kelso, a difference of $234 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Bathurst and Kelso?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,341 in Bathurst (Bathurst Regional rates (OLG) and $1,341 in Kelso (Bathurst Regional rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Bathurst and $1,300 in Kelso. 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 Bathurst and Kelso?
Annual driving commute costs are $514 from Bathurst and $748 from Kelso to Bathurst CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Bathurst and $2,400 from Kelso.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Bathurst and Kelso?
At 3% annual cost growth, Bathurst costs a cumulative $55,657 and Kelso costs $58,340 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,683 in favour of Bathurst. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Bathurst and Kelso 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: Bathurst Regional rates (OLG and Bathurst Regional 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.