Fishermans Reach vs South West Rocks, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Fishermans Reach and South West Rocks are both Kempsey rates (OLG suburbs, 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.
Over 10 years these two cost about the same to run.
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South West Rocks
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Fishermans Reach | South West Rocks | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,492 | $1,492 | - |
| Water & sewerage Estimated | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $18,200 | $18,200 | - |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $18,200 | $18,200 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $2,650 | $2,650 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $23,642 | $23,642 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $23,642 | $23,642 | - |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Fishermans Reach | South West Rocks | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,774 | $2,774 | - |
| Unit | $2,329 | $2,329 | - |
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, Fishermans Reach vs South West Rocks (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Fishermans Reach and South West Rocks 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, $23,642 and $23,642 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,492 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute is identical at $18,200 a year.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,650 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. On these four costs they are identical.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Fishermans Reach cumulative | South West Rocks cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $23,642 | $23,642 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $73,075 | $73,075 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $125,519 | $125,519 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $271,029 | $271,029 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fishermans Reach or South West Rocks cheaper to live in?
Fishermans Reach is cheaper to run by car at $23,642 per year versus $23,642 for South West Rocks, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Fishermans Reach and South West Rocks?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,492 in Fishermans Reach (Kempsey rates (OLG) and $1,492 in South West Rocks (Kempsey rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Fishermans Reach and $1,300 in South West Rocks. 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 Fishermans Reach and South West Rocks?
Fishermans Reach carries a flat regional driving allowance of $18,200, about 20,000 km of household driving a year, because it is more than 100 km from Sydney CBD. South West Rocks carries a flat regional driving allowance of $18,200, about 20,000 km of household driving a year, because it is more than 100 km from Sydney CBD. No daily public transport commute is assumed from either suburb, so both are costed by car.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Fishermans Reach and South West Rocks?
At 3% annual cost growth, Fishermans Reach costs a cumulative $271,029 and South West Rocks costs $271,029 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Fishermans Reach. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Fishermans Reach and South West Rocks suits you better?
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: Kempsey rates (OLG and Kempsey rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.