Brownsville vs Kembla Grange: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Brownsville and Kembla Grange are both Wollongong rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 77.2 km and 76.5 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $30 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 →Brownsville
Kembla Grange
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Brownsville | Kembla Grange | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,819 | $1,819 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,261 | $3,231 | +$30 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,728 | $9,698 | +$30 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,867 | $8,867 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Brownsville | Kembla Grange | 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 — Brownsville vs Kembla Grange (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Brownsville and Kembla Grange cost within $30 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $344, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $30 per year. Brownsville is 77.2 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, $8,867 and $8,867 a year, so the $30 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Brownsville cumulative | Kembla Grange cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,728 | $9,698 | $30 |
| Year 3 | $30,068 | $29,976 | $92 |
| Year 5 | $51,647 | $51,488 | $159 |
| Year 10 | $111,521 | $111,177 | $344 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brownsville or Kembla Grange cheaper to live in?
Kembla Grange is cheaper to run by car at $9,698 per year versus $9,728 for Brownsville, a difference of $30 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Brownsville and Kembla Grange?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,819 in Brownsville (Wollongong rates (OLG) and $1,819 in Kembla Grange (Wollongong rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Brownsville and $1,548 in Kembla Grange. 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 Brownsville and Kembla Grange?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,261 from Brownsville and $3,231 from Kembla Grange to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Brownsville and $2,400 from Kembla Grange.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Brownsville and Kembla Grange?
At 3% annual cost growth, Brownsville costs a cumulative $111,521 and Kembla Grange costs $111,177 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $344 in favour of Kembla Grange. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Brownsville and Kembla Grange 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.
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Sources: Wollongong rates (OLG and Wollongong 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.