Cams Wharf vs Nords Wharf: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Cams Wharf and Nords Wharf are both Lake Macquarie rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 90.9 km and 88.6 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $98 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 →Cams Wharf
Nords Wharf
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cams Wharf | Nords Wharf | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,763 | $1,763 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,377 | $1,377 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,840 | $3,742 | +$98 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,850 | $2,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,830 | $9,732 | +$98 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,390 | $8,390 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Cams Wharf | Nords Wharf | 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 — Cams Wharf vs Nords Wharf (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Cams Wharf and Nords Wharf cost within $98 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,124, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $98 per year. Cams Wharf is 90.9 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, $8,390 and $8,390 a year, so the $98 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Cams Wharf cumulative | Nords Wharf cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,830 | $9,732 | $98 |
| Year 3 | $30,384 | $30,081 | $303 |
| Year 5 | $52,189 | $51,669 | $520 |
| Year 10 | $112,690 | $111,566 | $1,124 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cams Wharf or Nords Wharf cheaper to live in?
Nords Wharf is cheaper to run by car at $9,732 per year versus $9,830 for Cams Wharf, a difference of $98 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Cams Wharf and Nords Wharf?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,763 in Cams Wharf (Lake Macquarie rates (OLG) and $1,763 in Nords Wharf (Lake Macquarie rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,377 in Cams Wharf and $1,377 in Nords Wharf. 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 Cams Wharf and Nords Wharf?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,840 from Cams Wharf and $3,742 from Nords Wharf to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Cams Wharf and $2,400 from Nords Wharf.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Cams Wharf and Nords Wharf?
At 3% annual cost growth, Cams Wharf costs a cumulative $112,690 and Nords Wharf costs $111,566 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,124 in favour of Nords Wharf. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Cams Wharf and Nords Wharf 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: Lake Macquarie rates (OLG and Lake Macquarie 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.