Charleys Forest vs Mongarlowe: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Charleys Forest and Mongarlowe are both Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 200.4 km and 203.5 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $0 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.
Charleys Forest
Mongarlowe
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Charleys Forest | Mongarlowe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,805 | $1,805 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $23,105 | $23,105 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $7,905 | $7,905 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Charleys Forest | Mongarlowe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,554 | $2,554 | - |
| Unit | $2,020 | $2,020 | - |
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 — Charleys Forest vs Mongarlowe (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Charleys Forest and Mongarlowe cost within $0 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $0, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $0 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,905 and $7,905 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Charleys Forest cumulative | Mongarlowe cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $23,105 | $23,105 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $71,415 | $71,415 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $122,668 | $122,668 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $264,873 | $264,873 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Charleys Forest or Mongarlowe cheaper to live in?
Charleys Forest is cheaper to run by car at $23,105 per year versus $23,105 for Mongarlowe, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Charleys Forest and Mongarlowe?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,805 in Charleys Forest (Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional rates (OLG) and $1,805 in Mongarlowe (Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Charleys Forest and $1,300 in Mongarlowe. 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 Charleys Forest and Mongarlowe?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Charleys Forest and $17,600 from Mongarlowe to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Charleys Forest and $2,400 from Mongarlowe.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Charleys Forest and Mongarlowe?
At 3% annual cost growth, Charleys Forest costs a cumulative $264,873 and Mongarlowe costs $264,873 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Charleys Forest. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Charleys Forest and Mongarlowe 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: Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional rates (OLG and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional 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.