Coomealla vs Curlwaa: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Coomealla and Curlwaa are both Wentworth rates (OLG suburbs, 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.
Coomealla
Curlwaa
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Coomealla | Curlwaa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $920 | $920 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $18,200 | $18,200 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $23,520 | $23,520 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $7,720 | $7,720 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Coomealla | Curlwaa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $3,150 | $3,150 | - |
| Unit | $2,611 | $2,611 | - |
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 — Coomealla vs Curlwaa (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Coomealla and Curlwaa 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, $7,720 and $7,720 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $920 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute is identical at $18,200 a year.
- 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. On these four costs they are identical.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Coomealla cumulative | Curlwaa cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $23,520 | $23,520 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $72,698 | $72,698 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $124,871 | $124,871 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $269,630 | $269,630 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Coomealla or Curlwaa cheaper to live in?
Coomealla is cheaper to run by car at $23,520 per year versus $23,520 for Curlwaa, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Coomealla and Curlwaa?
Annual council rates for a house are $920 in Coomealla (Wentworth rates (OLG) and $920 in Curlwaa (Wentworth rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Coomealla and $1,300 in Curlwaa. 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 Coomealla and Curlwaa?
Coomealla carries a flat regional driving allowance of $18,200, about 20,000 km of household driving a year, because it is more than 100 km from Sydney CBD. Curlwaa carries a flat regional driving allowance of $18,200, about 20,000 km of household driving a year, because it is more than 100 km from Sydney CBD. Public transport costs $2,400 from Coomealla and $2,400 from Curlwaa.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Coomealla and Curlwaa?
At 3% annual cost growth, Coomealla costs a cumulative $269,630 and Curlwaa costs $269,630 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Coomealla. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Coomealla and Curlwaa 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: Wentworth rates (OLG and Wentworth 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.