Fernances vs Perrys Crossing: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Fernances and Perrys Crossing are both Hawkesbury City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 8.66% in suburbs, sitting 77.8 km and 81.9 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $179 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 →Fernances
Perrys Crossing
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Fernances | Perrys Crossing | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,848 | $1,848 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,398 | $3,577 | -$179 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,194 | $9,373 | -$179 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,196 | $8,196 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Fernances | Perrys Crossing | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,720 | $2,720 | - |
| Unit | $2,209 | $2,209 | - |
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 — Fernances vs Perrys Crossing (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Fernances and Perrys Crossing cost within $179 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,052, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $179 per year. Perrys Crossing is 81.9 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,196 and $8,196 a year, so the $179 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,848 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Fernances by $179 a year, $3,398 against $3,577.
- 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 | Fernances cumulative | Perrys Crossing cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,194 | $9,373 | $179 |
| Year 3 | $28,418 | $28,971 | $553 |
| Year 5 | $48,812 | $49,763 | $951 |
| Year 10 | $105,399 | $107,451 | $2,052 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fernances or Perrys Crossing cheaper to live in?
Fernances is cheaper to run by car at $9,194 per year versus $9,373 for Perrys Crossing, a difference of $179 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Fernances and Perrys Crossing?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,848 in Fernances (Hawkesbury City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 8.66% in) and $1,848 in Perrys Crossing (Hawkesbury City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 8.66% in). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Fernances and $1,548 in Perrys Crossing. 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 Fernances and Perrys Crossing?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,398 from Fernances and $3,577 from Perrys Crossing to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Fernances and $2,400 from Perrys Crossing.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Fernances and Perrys Crossing?
At 3% annual cost growth, Fernances costs a cumulative $105,399 and Perrys Crossing costs $107,451 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,052 in favour of Fernances. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Fernances and Perrys Crossing 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: Hawkesbury City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 8.66% in and Hawkesbury City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 8.66% in 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.