Cranebrook vs Werrington Downs: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Cranebrook and Werrington Downs are both Penrith rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 49.3 km and 46.2 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $97 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 →Cranebrook
Werrington Downs
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cranebrook | Werrington Downs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,604 | $1,604 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,393 | $6,596 | -$203 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,150 | $1,850 | +$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,695 | $11,598 | +$97 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,702 | $7,402 | +$300 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Cranebrook | Werrington Downs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,420 | $2,420 | - |
| Unit | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
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 — Cranebrook vs Werrington Downs (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Cranebrook and Werrington Downs cost within $97 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,112, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $300 per year.
On public transport the gap is $300 per year, $7,702 from Cranebrook versus $7,402 from Werrington Downs.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Cranebrook cumulative | Werrington Downs cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,695 | $11,598 | $97 |
| Year 3 | $36,148 | $35,848 | $300 |
| Year 5 | $62,090 | $61,575 | $515 |
| Year 10 | $134,070 | $132,958 | $1,112 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cranebrook or Werrington Downs cheaper to live in?
Werrington Downs is cheaper to run by car at $11,598 per year versus $11,695 for Cranebrook, a difference of $97 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Cranebrook and Werrington Downs?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,604 in Cranebrook (Penrith rates (OLG) and $1,604 in Werrington Downs (Penrith rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Cranebrook and $1,548 in Werrington Downs. 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 Cranebrook and Werrington Downs?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,393 from Cranebrook and $6,596 from Werrington Downs to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Cranebrook and $2,400 from Werrington Downs.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Cranebrook and Werrington Downs?
At 3% annual cost growth, Cranebrook costs a cumulative $134,070 and Werrington Downs costs $132,958 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,112 in favour of Werrington Downs. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Cranebrook and Werrington Downs 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: Penrith rates (OLG and Penrith 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.