Ellalong vs Paxton: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Ellalong and Paxton are both Cessnock rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 43.8 km and 46.4 km from Newcastle CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $116 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 →Ellalong
Paxton
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ellalong | Paxton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,458 | $1,458 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,377 | $1,377 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,926 | $6,810 | +$116 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,161 | $12,045 | +$116 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,635 | $7,635 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Ellalong | Paxton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,342 | $2,342 | - |
| Unit | $1,909 | $1,909 | - |
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 — Ellalong vs Paxton (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Ellalong and Paxton cost within $116 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,330, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $116 per year. Paxton is 46.4 km from Newcastle CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,635 and $7,635 a year, so the $116 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,458 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,377 a year.
- Driving commute favours Paxton by $116 a year, $6,810 against $6,926.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,400 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 | Ellalong cumulative | Paxton cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,161 | $12,045 | $116 |
| Year 3 | $37,588 | $37,230 | $358 |
| Year 5 | $64,564 | $63,949 | $615 |
| Year 10 | $139,412 | $138,082 | $1,330 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ellalong or Paxton cheaper to live in?
Paxton is cheaper to run by car at $12,045 per year versus $12,161 for Ellalong, a difference of $116 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Ellalong and Paxton?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,458 in Ellalong (Cessnock rates (OLG) and $1,458 in Paxton (Cessnock rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,377 in Ellalong and $1,377 in Paxton. 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 Ellalong and Paxton?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,926 from Ellalong and $6,810 from Paxton to Newcastle CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Ellalong and $2,400 from Paxton.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Ellalong and Paxton?
At 3% annual cost growth, Ellalong costs a cumulative $139,412 and Paxton costs $138,082 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,330 in favour of Paxton. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Ellalong and Paxton 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: Cessnock rates (OLG and Cessnock 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.