Braemar vs Renwick, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Braemar and Renwick are both Wingecarribee rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 91.7 km and 93.4 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $74 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.
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Renwick
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Braemar | Renwick | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $2,140 | $2,140 | - |
| Water & sewerage Estimated | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $4,005 | $4,079 | -$74 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,745 | $8,819 | -$74 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,140 | $7,140 | - |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Braemar | Renwick | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,720 | $2,720 | - |
| Unit | $2,209 | $2,209 | - |
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, Braemar vs Renwick (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Braemar and Renwick cost within $74 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $848, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $74 per year. Renwick is 93.4 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, $7,140 and $7,140 a year, so the $74 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $2,140 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute favours Braemar by $74 a year, $4,005 against $4,079.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,300 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.
The catchment state school scores 5.8 in Renwick against 4.8 in Braemar, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Braemar cumulative | Renwick cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,745 | $8,819 | $74 |
| Year 3 | $27,030 | $27,259 | $229 |
| Year 5 | $46,428 | $46,821 | $393 |
| Year 10 | $100,252 | $101,100 | $848 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Braemar or Renwick cheaper to live in?
Braemar is cheaper to run by car at $8,745 per year versus $8,819 for Renwick, a difference of $74 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Braemar and Renwick?
Annual council rates for a house are $2,140 in Braemar (Wingecarribee rates (OLG) and $2,140 in Renwick (Wingecarribee rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Braemar and $1,300 in Renwick. 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 Braemar and Renwick?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,005 from Braemar and $4,079 from Renwick to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Braemar and $2,400 from Renwick.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Braemar and Renwick?
At 3% annual cost growth, Braemar costs a cumulative $100,252 and Renwick costs $101,100 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $848 in favour of Braemar. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Braemar and Renwick suits you better?
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Sources: Wingecarribee rates (OLG and Wingecarribee rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.