Bombo vs Dunmore: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Bombo (Kiama rates (OLG) and Dunmore (Shellharbour rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (92.9 km and 91.1 km).
The two sit within $130 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 →Bombo
Dunmore
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Bombo | Dunmore | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,959 | $1,865 | +$94 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,924 | $3,848 | +$76 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $3,100 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,231 | $10,361 | -$130 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,707 | $8,913 | -$206 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Bombo | Dunmore | 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 — Bombo vs Dunmore (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bombo and Dunmore cost within $130 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,490, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $300 per year. Dunmore carries high flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap is $206 per year, $8,707 from Bombo versus $8,913 from Dunmore.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Bombo cumulative | Dunmore cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,231 | $10,361 | $130 |
| Year 3 | $31,623 | $32,025 | $402 |
| Year 5 | $54,318 | $55,008 | $690 |
| Year 10 | $117,287 | $118,777 | $1,490 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bombo or Dunmore cheaper to live in?
Bombo is cheaper to run by car at $10,231 per year versus $10,361 for Dunmore, a difference of $130 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Bombo and Dunmore?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,959 in Bombo (Kiama rates (OLG) and $1,865 in Dunmore (Shellharbour rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Bombo and $1,548 in Dunmore. 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 Bombo and Dunmore?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,924 from Bombo and $3,848 from Dunmore to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Bombo and $2,400 from Dunmore.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Bombo and Dunmore?
At 3% annual cost growth, Bombo costs a cumulative $117,287 and Dunmore costs $118,777 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,490 in favour of Bombo. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Bombo and Dunmore 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: Kiama rates (OLG and Shellharbour 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.