Berkshire Park vs Shanes Park: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Berkshire Park (Penrith rates (OLG) and Shanes Park (Blacktown City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 11.54% adopted for) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (44 km and 43.9 km).
The two sit within $241 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 →Berkshire Park
Shanes Park
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Berkshire Park | Shanes Park | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,604 | $1,360 | +$244 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,691 | $6,694 | -$3 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $3,000 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,843 | $12,602 | +$241 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,552 | $8,308 | +$244 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Berkshire Park | Shanes Park | 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 — Berkshire Park vs Shanes Park (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Berkshire Park and Shanes Park cost within $241 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,763, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $244 per year.
On public transport the gap is $244 per year, $8,552 from Berkshire Park versus $8,308 from Shanes Park.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Berkshire Park cumulative | Shanes Park cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,843 | $12,602 | $241 |
| Year 3 | $39,696 | $38,952 | $744 |
| Year 5 | $68,185 | $66,906 | $1,279 |
| Year 10 | $147,231 | $144,468 | $2,763 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Berkshire Park or Shanes Park cheaper to live in?
Shanes Park is cheaper to run by car at $12,602 per year versus $12,843 for Berkshire Park, a difference of $241 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Berkshire Park and Shanes Park?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,604 in Berkshire Park (Penrith rates (OLG) and $1,360 in Shanes Park (Blacktown City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 11.54% adopted for). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Berkshire Park and $1,548 in Shanes Park. 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 Berkshire Park and Shanes Park?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,691 from Berkshire Park and $6,694 from Shanes Park to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Berkshire Park and $2,400 from Shanes Park.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Berkshire Park and Shanes Park?
At 3% annual cost growth, Berkshire Park costs a cumulative $147,231 and Shanes Park costs $144,468 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,763 in favour of Shanes Park. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Berkshire Park and Shanes Park 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: Penrith rates (OLG and Blacktown City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 11.54% adopted for 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.