Bombo vs Kiama Downs: 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 Kiama Downs (Shellharbour rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (92.9 km and 91.7 km).
The two sit within $145 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
Kiama Downs
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Bombo | Kiama Downs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,959 | $1,865 | +$94 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,924 | $3,873 | +$51 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,231 | $10,086 | +$145 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,707 | $8,613 | +$94 |
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 | Kiama Downs | 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 Kiama Downs (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bombo and Kiama Downs cost within $145 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,662, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $94 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,707 and $8,613 a year, so the $145 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Bombo cumulative | Kiama Downs cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,231 | $10,086 | $145 |
| Year 3 | $31,623 | $31,175 | $448 |
| Year 5 | $54,318 | $53,548 | $770 |
| Year 10 | $117,287 | $115,625 | $1,662 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bombo or Kiama Downs cheaper to live in?
Kiama Downs is cheaper to run by car at $10,086 per year versus $10,231 for Bombo, a difference of $145 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Bombo and Kiama Downs?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,959 in Bombo (Kiama rates (OLG) and $1,865 in Kiama Downs (Shellharbour rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Bombo and $1,548 in Kiama Downs. 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 Kiama Downs?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,924 from Bombo and $3,873 from Kiama Downs to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Bombo and $2,400 from Kiama Downs.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Bombo and Kiama Downs?
At 3% annual cost growth, Bombo costs a cumulative $117,287 and Kiama Downs costs $115,625 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,662 in favour of Kiama Downs. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Bombo and Kiama Downs 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.