Camden vs Kirkham: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Camden and Kirkham are both Camden rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 51.8 km and 50 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $172 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
Kirkham
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Camden | Kirkham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,573 | $1,573 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,380 | $6,552 | -$172 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,150 | $2,150 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,651 | $11,823 | -$172 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,671 | $7,671 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Camden | Kirkham | 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 — Camden vs Kirkham (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Camden and Kirkham cost within $172 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,971, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $172 per year. Camden is 51.8 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, $7,671 and $7,671 a year, so the $172 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,573 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Camden by $172 a year, $6,380 against $6,552.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,150 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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Camden cumulative | Kirkham cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,651 | $11,823 | $172 |
| Year 3 | $36,012 | $36,544 | $532 |
| Year 5 | $61,857 | $62,770 | $913 |
| Year 10 | $133,566 | $135,537 | $1,971 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Camden or Kirkham cheaper to live in?
Camden is cheaper to run by car at $11,651 per year versus $11,823 for Kirkham, a difference of $172 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Camden and Kirkham?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,573 in Camden (Camden rates (OLG) and $1,573 in Kirkham (Camden rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Camden and $1,548 in Kirkham. 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 Kirkham?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,380 from Camden and $6,552 from Kirkham to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Camden and $2,400 from Kirkham.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Camden and Kirkham?
At 3% annual cost growth, Camden costs a cumulative $133,566 and Kirkham costs $135,537 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,971 in favour of Camden. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Camden and Kirkham 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.