Blackheath vs Govetts: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Blackheath and Govetts are both Blue Mountains rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 87.9 km and 85.2 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $118 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 →Blackheath
Govetts
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Blackheath | Govetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $2,157 | $2,157 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,840 | $3,722 | +$118 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,945 | $9,827 | +$118 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,505 | $8,505 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Blackheath | Govetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,720 | $2,391 | +$329 |
| Unit | $2,209 | $1,962 | +$247 |
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 — Blackheath vs Govetts (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Blackheath and Govetts cost within $118 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,352, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $118 per year. Blackheath is 87.9 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, $8,505 and $8,505 a year, so the $118 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $2,157 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Govetts by $118 a year, $3,722 against $3,840.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,400 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 | Blackheath cumulative | Govetts cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,945 | $9,827 | $118 |
| Year 3 | $30,739 | $30,374 | $365 |
| Year 5 | $52,799 | $52,173 | $626 |
| Year 10 | $114,008 | $112,656 | $1,352 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blackheath or Govetts cheaper to live in?
Govetts is cheaper to run by car at $9,827 per year versus $9,945 for Blackheath, a difference of $118 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Blackheath and Govetts?
Annual council rates for a house are $2,157 in Blackheath (Blue Mountains rates (OLG) and $2,157 in Govetts (Blue Mountains rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Blackheath and $1,548 in Govetts. 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 Blackheath and Govetts?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,840 from Blackheath and $3,722 from Govetts to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Blackheath and $2,400 from Govetts.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Blackheath and Govetts?
At 3% annual cost growth, Blackheath costs a cumulative $114,008 and Govetts costs $112,656 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,352 in favour of Govetts. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Blackheath and Govetts 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: Blue Mountains rates (OLG and Blue Mountains 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.