Broadwater vs Goat Island: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Broadwater (Richmond Valley rates (OLG) and Goat Island (Ballina Shire Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 6% in) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas.
The two sit within $55 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 →Broadwater
Goat Island
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Broadwater | Goat Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,329 | $1,384 | -$55 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $18,200 | $18,200 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,500 | $3,500 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $24,329 | $24,384 | -$55 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,529 | $8,584 | -$55 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Broadwater | Goat Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,774 | $2,774 | - |
| Unit | $2,329 | $2,329 | - |
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 — Broadwater vs Goat Island (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Broadwater and Goat Island cost within $55 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $630, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $55 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,529 and $8,584 a year, so the $55 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates favours Broadwater by $55 a year, $1,329 against $1,384.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute is identical at $18,200 a year.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,500 a year.
They sit in different council areas, so the rates line is set by two different councils. For NSW that figure is the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by that council's IPART rate peg.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Broadwater cumulative | Goat Island cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $24,329 | $24,384 | $55 |
| Year 3 | $75,199 | $75,369 | $170 |
| Year 5 | $129,166 | $129,458 | $292 |
| Year 10 | $278,905 | $279,535 | $630 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Broadwater or Goat Island cheaper to live in?
Broadwater is cheaper to run by car at $24,329 per year versus $24,384 for Goat Island, a difference of $55 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Broadwater and Goat Island?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,329 in Broadwater (Richmond Valley rates (OLG) and $1,384 in Goat Island (Ballina Shire Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 6% in). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Broadwater and $1,300 in Goat Island. 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 Broadwater and Goat Island?
Broadwater carries a flat regional driving allowance of $18,200, about 20,000 km of household driving a year, because it is more than 100 km from Sydney CBD. Goat Island carries a flat regional driving allowance of $18,200, about 20,000 km of household driving a year, because it is more than 100 km from Sydney CBD. Public transport costs $2,400 from Broadwater and $2,400 from Goat Island.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Broadwater and Goat Island?
At 3% annual cost growth, Broadwater costs a cumulative $278,905 and Goat Island costs $279,535 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $630 in favour of Broadwater. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Broadwater and Goat Island 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: Richmond Valley rates (OLG and Ballina Shire Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 6% in 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.