Carrington Falls vs Upper Kangaroo Valley: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Carrington Falls (Kiama rates (OLG) and Upper Kangaroo Valley (Wingecarribee rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Wollongong CBD (33.8 km and 33.9 km).
The two sit within $62 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 →Carrington Falls
Upper Kangaroo Valley
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Carrington Falls | Upper Kangaroo Valley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,959 | $2,140 | -$181 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,300 | +$248 |
| Commute (driving) | $6,821 | $6,826 | -$5 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,728 | $12,666 | +$62 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,307 | $8,240 | +$67 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Carrington Falls | Upper Kangaroo Valley | 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 — Carrington Falls vs Upper Kangaroo Valley (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Carrington Falls and Upper Kangaroo Valley cost within $62 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $711, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is water and sewerage at $248 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,307 and $8,240 a year, so the $62 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates favours Carrington Falls by $181 a year, $1,959 against $2,140.
- Water and sewerage favours Upper Kangaroo Valley by $248 a year, $1,300 against $1,548.
- Driving commute favours Carrington Falls by $5 a year, $6,821 against $6,826.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,400 a year.
They sit in different council areas, so the rates line is set by two different councils. For NSW that figure is the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by that council's IPART rate peg.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Carrington Falls cumulative | Upper Kangaroo Valley cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,728 | $12,666 | $62 |
| Year 3 | $39,341 | $39,149 | $192 |
| Year 5 | $67,575 | $67,246 | $329 |
| Year 10 | $145,912 | $145,201 | $711 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carrington Falls or Upper Kangaroo Valley cheaper to live in?
Upper Kangaroo Valley is cheaper to run by car at $12,666 per year versus $12,728 for Carrington Falls, a difference of $62 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Carrington Falls and Upper Kangaroo Valley?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,959 in Carrington Falls (Kiama rates (OLG) and $2,140 in Upper Kangaroo Valley (Wingecarribee rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Carrington Falls and $1,300 in Upper Kangaroo Valley. 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 Carrington Falls and Upper Kangaroo Valley?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,821 from Carrington Falls and $6,826 from Upper Kangaroo Valley to Wollongong CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Carrington Falls and $2,400 from Upper Kangaroo Valley.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Carrington Falls and Upper Kangaroo Valley?
At 3% annual cost growth, Carrington Falls costs a cumulative $145,912 and Upper Kangaroo Valley costs $145,201 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $711 in favour of Upper Kangaroo Valley. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Carrington Falls and Upper Kangaroo Valley 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: Kiama rates (OLG and Wingecarribee 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.