Bouddi vs Killcare Heights: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Bouddi and Killcare Heights are both Central Coast rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 42.9 km and 41 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $31 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 →Bouddi
Killcare Heights
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Bouddi | Killcare Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,454 | $1,454 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,723 | $6,754 | -$31 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,550 | $2,550 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,027 | $12,058 | -$31 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,704 | $7,704 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Bouddi | Killcare Heights | 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 — Bouddi vs Killcare Heights (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bouddi and Killcare Heights cost within $31 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $355, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $31 per year. Bouddi is 42.9 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,704 and $7,704 a year, so the $31 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Bouddi cumulative | Killcare Heights cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,027 | $12,058 | $31 |
| Year 3 | $37,174 | $37,270 | $96 |
| Year 5 | $63,853 | $64,018 | $165 |
| Year 10 | $137,876 | $138,231 | $355 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bouddi or Killcare Heights cheaper to live in?
Bouddi is cheaper to run by car at $12,027 per year versus $12,058 for Killcare Heights, a difference of $31 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Bouddi and Killcare Heights?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,454 in Bouddi (Central Coast rates (OLG) and $1,454 in Killcare Heights (Central Coast rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Bouddi and $1,300 in Killcare Heights. 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 Bouddi and Killcare Heights?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,723 from Bouddi and $6,754 from Killcare Heights to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Bouddi and $2,400 from Killcare Heights.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Bouddi and Killcare Heights?
At 3% annual cost growth, Bouddi costs a cumulative $137,876 and Killcare Heights costs $138,231 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $355 in favour of Bouddi. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Bouddi and Killcare Heights 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: Central Coast rates (OLG and Central 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.