Caerleon vs Putta Bucca: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Caerleon and Putta Bucca are both Mid-Western Regional rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 210.3 km and 208.9 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $150 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 →Caerleon
Putta Bucca
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Caerleon | Putta Bucca | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,122 | $1,122 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $2,150 | -$150 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $22,022 | $22,172 | -$150 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,822 | $6,972 | -$150 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Caerleon | Putta Bucca | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,420 | $2,420 | - |
| Unit | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
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 — Caerleon vs Putta Bucca (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Caerleon and Putta Bucca cost within $150 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,719, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $150 per year. Putta Bucca carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,822 and $6,972 a year, so the $150 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Caerleon cumulative | Putta Bucca cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $22,022 | $22,172 | $150 |
| Year 3 | $68,068 | $68,531 | $463 |
| Year 5 | $116,918 | $117,714 | $796 |
| Year 10 | $252,458 | $254,177 | $1,719 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Caerleon or Putta Bucca cheaper to live in?
Caerleon is cheaper to run by car at $22,022 per year versus $22,172 for Putta Bucca, a difference of $150 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Caerleon and Putta Bucca?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,122 in Caerleon (Mid-Western Regional rates (OLG) and $1,122 in Putta Bucca (Mid-Western Regional rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Caerleon and $1,300 in Putta Bucca. 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 Caerleon and Putta Bucca?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Caerleon and $17,600 from Putta Bucca to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Caerleon and $2,400 from Putta Bucca.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Caerleon and Putta Bucca?
At 3% annual cost growth, Caerleon costs a cumulative $252,458 and Putta Bucca costs $254,177 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,719 in favour of Caerleon. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Caerleon and Putta Bucca 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: Mid-Western Regional rates (OLG and Mid-Western Regional 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.