Berry vs Far Meadow: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Berry and Far Meadow are both Shoalhaven rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 43.7 km and 47.8 km from Wollongong CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $206 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 →Berry
Far Meadow
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Berry | Far Meadow | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,547 | $1,547 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,929 | $6,723 | +$206 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,876 | $12,670 | +$206 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,347 | $8,347 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Berry | Far Meadow | 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 — Berry vs Far Meadow (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Berry and Far Meadow cost within $206 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,362, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $206 per year. Far Meadow is 47.8 km from Wollongong CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,347 and $8,347 a year, so the $206 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,547 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute favours Far Meadow by $206 a year, $6,723 against $6,929.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,100 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 | Berry cumulative | Far Meadow cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,876 | $12,670 | $206 |
| Year 3 | $39,798 | $39,162 | $636 |
| Year 5 | $68,360 | $67,267 | $1,093 |
| Year 10 | $147,609 | $145,247 | $2,362 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Berry or Far Meadow cheaper to live in?
Far Meadow is cheaper to run by car at $12,670 per year versus $12,876 for Berry, a difference of $206 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Berry and Far Meadow?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,547 in Berry (Shoalhaven rates (OLG) and $1,547 in Far Meadow (Shoalhaven rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Berry and $1,300 in Far Meadow. 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 Berry and Far Meadow?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,929 from Berry and $6,723 from Far Meadow to Wollongong CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Berry and $2,400 from Far Meadow.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Berry and Far Meadow?
At 3% annual cost growth, Berry costs a cumulative $147,609 and Far Meadow costs $145,247 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,362 in favour of Far Meadow. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Berry and Far Meadow 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: Shoalhaven rates (OLG and Shoalhaven 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.