Campbelltown vs Ruse: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Campbelltown and Ruse are both Campbelltown rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 42.8 km and 40.9 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $31 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 →Campbelltown
Ruse
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Campbelltown | Ruse | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,497 | $1,497 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,954 | $6,985 | -$31 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,150 | $2,150 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,149 | $12,180 | -$31 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,595 | $7,595 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Campbelltown | Ruse | 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 — Campbelltown vs Ruse (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Campbelltown and Ruse cost within $31 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $355, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $31 per year. Campbelltown is 42.8 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, $7,595 and $7,595 a year, so the $31 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,497 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Campbelltown by $31 a year, $6,954 against $6,985.
- 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 | Campbelltown cumulative | Ruse cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,149 | $12,180 | $31 |
| Year 3 | $37,551 | $37,647 | $96 |
| Year 5 | $64,501 | $64,665 | $164 |
| Year 10 | $139,275 | $139,630 | $355 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Campbelltown or Ruse cheaper to live in?
Campbelltown is cheaper to run by car at $12,149 per year versus $12,180 for Ruse, a difference of $31 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Campbelltown and Ruse?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,497 in Campbelltown (Campbelltown rates (OLG) and $1,497 in Ruse (Campbelltown rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Campbelltown and $1,548 in Ruse. 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 Campbelltown and Ruse?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,954 from Campbelltown and $6,985 from Ruse to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Campbelltown and $2,400 from Ruse.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Campbelltown and Ruse?
At 3% annual cost growth, Campbelltown costs a cumulative $139,275 and Ruse costs $139,630 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $355 in favour of Campbelltown. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Campbelltown and Ruse 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: Campbelltown rates (OLG and Campbelltown 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.