Coolumburra vs Nerriga: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Coolumburra (Shoalhaven rates (OLG) and Nerriga (Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (165.9 km and 170.7 km).
The two sit within $258 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 →Coolumburra
Nerriga
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Coolumburra | Nerriga | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,547 | $1,805 | -$258 |
| 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) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $22,847 | $23,105 | -$258 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,647 | $7,905 | -$258 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Coolumburra | Nerriga | 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 — Coolumburra vs Nerriga (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Coolumburra and Nerriga cost within $258 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,958, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $258 per year.
On public transport the gap is $258 per year, $7,647 from Coolumburra versus $7,905 from Nerriga.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Coolumburra cumulative | Nerriga cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $22,847 | $23,105 | $258 |
| Year 3 | $70,618 | $71,415 | $797 |
| Year 5 | $121,298 | $122,668 | $1,370 |
| Year 10 | $261,915 | $264,873 | $2,958 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Coolumburra or Nerriga cheaper to live in?
Coolumburra is cheaper to run by car at $22,847 per year versus $23,105 for Nerriga, a difference of $258 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Coolumburra and Nerriga?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,547 in Coolumburra (Shoalhaven rates (OLG) and $1,805 in Nerriga (Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Coolumburra and $1,300 in Nerriga. 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 Coolumburra and Nerriga?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Coolumburra and $17,600 from Nerriga to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Coolumburra and $2,400 from Nerriga.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Coolumburra and Nerriga?
At 3% annual cost growth, Coolumburra costs a cumulative $261,915 and Nerriga costs $264,873 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,958 in favour of Coolumburra. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Coolumburra and Nerriga 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: Shoalhaven 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.