Dignams Creek vs Tilba Tilba: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Dignams Creek and Tilba Tilba are both Eurobodalla rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 295.8 km and 295.1 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $50 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 →Dignams Creek
Tilba Tilba
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Dignams Creek | Tilba Tilba | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,285 | $1,285 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,450 | -$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $22,585 | $22,635 | -$50 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,385 | $7,435 | -$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Dignams Creek | Tilba Tilba | 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 — Dignams Creek vs Tilba Tilba (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Dignams Creek and Tilba Tilba cost within $50 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $573, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $50 per year. Tilba Tilba carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,385 and $7,435 a year, so the $50 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Dignams Creek cumulative | Tilba Tilba cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $22,585 | $22,635 | $50 |
| Year 3 | $69,808 | $69,963 | $155 |
| Year 5 | $119,907 | $120,172 | $265 |
| Year 10 | $258,912 | $259,485 | $573 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dignams Creek or Tilba Tilba cheaper to live in?
Dignams Creek is cheaper to run by car at $22,585 per year versus $22,635 for Tilba Tilba, a difference of $50 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Dignams Creek and Tilba Tilba?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,285 in Dignams Creek (Eurobodalla rates (OLG) and $1,285 in Tilba Tilba (Eurobodalla rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Dignams Creek and $1,300 in Tilba Tilba. 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 Dignams Creek and Tilba Tilba?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Dignams Creek and $17,600 from Tilba Tilba to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Dignams Creek and $2,400 from Tilba Tilba.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Dignams Creek and Tilba Tilba?
At 3% annual cost growth, Dignams Creek costs a cumulative $258,912 and Tilba Tilba costs $259,485 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $573 in favour of Dignams Creek. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Dignams Creek and Tilba Tilba 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: Eurobodalla rates (OLG and Eurobodalla 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.