Gerringong vs Toolijooa: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Gerringong and Toolijooa are both Kiama rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 35.5 km and 38 km from Wollongong CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $71 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 →Gerringong
Toolijooa
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Gerringong | Toolijooa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,959 | $1,959 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,900 | $6,971 | -$71 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $13,507 | $13,578 | -$71 |
| Total (public transport) | $9,007 | $9,007 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Gerringong | Toolijooa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,442 | $2,442 | - |
| Unit | $2,001 | $2,001 | - |
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 — Gerringong vs Toolijooa (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Gerringong and Toolijooa cost within $71 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $814, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $71 per year. Toolijooa is 38 km from Wollongong CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $9,007 and $9,007 a year, so the $71 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,959 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Gerringong by $71 a year, $6,900 against $6,971.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,100 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 | Gerringong cumulative | Toolijooa cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,507 | $13,578 | $71 |
| Year 3 | $41,749 | $41,968 | $219 |
| Year 5 | $71,710 | $72,087 | $377 |
| Year 10 | $154,843 | $155,657 | $814 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gerringong or Toolijooa cheaper to live in?
Gerringong is cheaper to run by car at $13,507 per year versus $13,578 for Toolijooa, a difference of $71 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Gerringong and Toolijooa?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,959 in Gerringong (Kiama rates (OLG) and $1,959 in Toolijooa (Kiama rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Gerringong and $1,548 in Toolijooa. 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 Gerringong and Toolijooa?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,900 from Gerringong and $6,971 from Toolijooa to Wollongong CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Gerringong and $2,400 from Toolijooa.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Gerringong and Toolijooa?
At 3% annual cost growth, Gerringong costs a cumulative $154,843 and Toolijooa costs $155,657 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $814 in favour of Gerringong. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Gerringong and Toolijooa 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: Kiama rates (OLG and Kiama 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.