Camden vs Grasmere: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Camden and Grasmere are both Camden rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 51.8 km and 54.3 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $275 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 →Camden
Grasmere
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Camden | Grasmere | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,573 | $1,573 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,170 | $5,895 | +$275 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,150 | $2,150 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,441 | $11,166 | +$275 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,671 | $7,671 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Camden | Grasmere | 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 — Camden vs Grasmere (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Camden and Grasmere cost within $275 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,152, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $275 per year. Grasmere is 54.3 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, $7,671 and $7,671 a year, so the $275 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Camden cumulative | Grasmere cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,441 | $11,166 | $275 |
| Year 3 | $35,363 | $34,513 | $850 |
| Year 5 | $60,742 | $59,282 | $1,460 |
| Year 10 | $131,158 | $128,006 | $3,152 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Camden or Grasmere cheaper to live in?
Grasmere is cheaper to run by car at $11,166 per year versus $11,441 for Camden, a difference of $275 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Camden and Grasmere?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,573 in Camden (Camden rates (OLG) and $1,573 in Grasmere (Camden rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Camden and $1,548 in Grasmere. 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 Camden and Grasmere?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,170 from Camden and $5,895 from Grasmere to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Camden and $2,400 from Grasmere.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Camden and Grasmere?
At 3% annual cost growth, Camden costs a cumulative $131,158 and Grasmere costs $128,006 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,152 in favour of Grasmere. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Camden and Grasmere 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: Camden rates (OLG and Camden 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.