Bonnet Bay vs Woronora: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Bonnet Bay and Woronora are both Sutherland rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 21.3 km and 23.1 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $280 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 →Bonnet Bay
Woronora
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Bonnet Bay | Woronora | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,617 | $1,617 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,461 | $5,741 | -$280 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,250 | $3,250 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,876 | $12,156 | -$280 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,815 | $8,815 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Bonnet Bay | Woronora | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,342 | $2,342 | - |
| Unit | $1,909 | $1,909 | - |
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 — Bonnet Bay vs Woronora (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bonnet Bay and Woronora cost within $280 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,210, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $280 per year. Woronora is 23.1 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, $8,815 and $8,815 a year, so the $280 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,617 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Bonnet Bay by $280 a year, $5,461 against $5,741.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,250 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 | Bonnet Bay cumulative | Woronora cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,876 | $12,156 | $280 |
| Year 3 | $36,708 | $37,573 | $865 |
| Year 5 | $63,051 | $64,538 | $1,487 |
| Year 10 | $136,145 | $139,355 | $3,210 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bonnet Bay or Woronora cheaper to live in?
Bonnet Bay is cheaper to run by car at $11,876 per year versus $12,156 for Woronora, a difference of $280 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Bonnet Bay and Woronora?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,617 in Bonnet Bay (Sutherland rates (OLG) and $1,617 in Woronora (Sutherland rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Bonnet Bay and $1,548 in Woronora. 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 Bonnet Bay and Woronora?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,461 from Bonnet Bay and $5,741 from Woronora to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Bonnet Bay and $2,400 from Woronora.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Bonnet Bay and Woronora?
At 3% annual cost growth, Bonnet Bay costs a cumulative $136,145 and Woronora costs $139,355 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,210 in favour of Bonnet Bay. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Bonnet Bay and Woronora 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: Sutherland rates (OLG and Sutherland 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.