Ettrema vs Yalwal: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Ettrema and Yalwal are both Shoalhaven rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 143.2 km and 142.8 km from Sydney CBD respectively, 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.
Ettrema
Yalwal
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Ettrema | Yalwal | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,547 | $1,547 | - |
| 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 | $22,847 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $7,647 | $7,647 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Ettrema | Yalwal | 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 — Ettrema vs Yalwal (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Ettrema and Yalwal 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, $7,647 and $7,647 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Ettrema cumulative | Yalwal cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $22,847 | $22,847 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $70,618 | $70,618 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $121,298 | $121,298 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $261,915 | $261,915 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ettrema or Yalwal cheaper to live in?
Ettrema is cheaper to run by car at $22,847 per year versus $22,847 for Yalwal, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Ettrema and Yalwal?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,547 in Ettrema (Shoalhaven rates (OLG) and $1,547 in Yalwal (Shoalhaven rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Ettrema and $1,300 in Yalwal. 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 Ettrema and Yalwal?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Ettrema and $17,600 from Yalwal to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Ettrema and $2,400 from Yalwal.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Ettrema and Yalwal?
At 3% annual cost growth, Ettrema costs a cumulative $261,915 and Yalwal costs $261,915 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Ettrema. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Ettrema and Yalwal 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: Shoalhaven rates (OLG and Shoalhaven 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.