Congarinni North vs Wirrimbi: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Congarinni North and Wirrimbi are both Nambucca Valley rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 47.2 km and 45 km from Coffs Harbour CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $118 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 →Congarinni North
Wirrimbi
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Congarinni North | Wirrimbi | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,175 | $1,175 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,762 | $6,880 | -$118 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,337 | $12,455 | -$118 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,975 | $7,975 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Congarinni North | Wirrimbi | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,774 | $2,774 | - |
| Unit | $2,329 | $2,329 | - |
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 — Congarinni North vs Wirrimbi (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Congarinni North and Wirrimbi cost within $118 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,353, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $118 per year. Congarinni North is 47.2 km from Coffs Harbour CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,975 and $7,975 a year, so the $118 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,175 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute favours Congarinni North by $118 a year, $6,762 against $6,880.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,100 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 | Congarinni North cumulative | Wirrimbi cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,337 | $12,455 | $118 |
| Year 3 | $38,132 | $38,497 | $365 |
| Year 5 | $65,499 | $66,125 | $626 |
| Year 10 | $141,430 | $142,783 | $1,353 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Congarinni North or Wirrimbi cheaper to live in?
Congarinni North is cheaper to run by car at $12,337 per year versus $12,455 for Wirrimbi, a difference of $118 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Congarinni North and Wirrimbi?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,175 in Congarinni North (Nambucca Valley rates (OLG) and $1,175 in Wirrimbi (Nambucca Valley rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Congarinni North and $1,300 in Wirrimbi. 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 Congarinni North and Wirrimbi?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,762 from Congarinni North and $6,880 from Wirrimbi to Coffs Harbour CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Congarinni North and $2,400 from Wirrimbi.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Congarinni North and Wirrimbi?
At 3% annual cost growth, Congarinni North costs a cumulative $141,430 and Wirrimbi costs $142,783 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,353 in favour of Congarinni North. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Congarinni North and Wirrimbi 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: Nambucca Valley rates (OLG and Nambucca Valley 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.