Bobin vs Caparra: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Bobin and Caparra are both Mid-Coast rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 259.9 km and 256.7 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $0 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.
Bobin
Caparra
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Bobin | Caparra | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,609 | $1,609 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $22,909 | $22,909 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $7,709 | $7,709 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Bobin | Caparra | 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 — Bobin vs Caparra (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bobin and Caparra cost within $0 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $0, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $0 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,709 and $7,709 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Bobin cumulative | Caparra cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $22,909 | $22,909 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $70,809 | $70,809 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $121,627 | $121,627 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $262,626 | $262,626 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bobin or Caparra cheaper to live in?
Bobin is cheaper to run by car at $22,909 per year versus $22,909 for Caparra, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Bobin and Caparra?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,609 in Bobin (Mid-Coast rates (OLG) and $1,609 in Caparra (Mid-Coast rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Bobin and $1,300 in Caparra. 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 Bobin and Caparra?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Bobin and $17,600 from Caparra to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Bobin and $2,400 from Caparra.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Bobin and Caparra?
At 3% annual cost growth, Bobin costs a cumulative $262,626 and Caparra costs $262,626 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Bobin. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Bobin and Caparra 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: Mid-Coast rates (OLG and Mid-Coast 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.