Hill Top vs Yerrinbool: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Hill Top and Yerrinbool are both Wingecarribee rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 82.9 km and 81.1 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $76 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 →Hill Top
Yerrinbool
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Hill Top | Yerrinbool | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $2,140 | $2,140 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,502 | $3,426 | +$76 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,342 | $9,266 | +$76 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,240 | $8,240 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Hill Top | Yerrinbool | 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 — Hill Top vs Yerrinbool (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Hill Top and Yerrinbool cost within $76 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $872, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $76 per year. Hill Top is 82.9 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,240 and $8,240 a year, so the $76 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Hill Top cumulative | Yerrinbool cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,342 | $9,266 | $76 |
| Year 3 | $28,875 | $28,640 | $235 |
| Year 5 | $49,598 | $49,194 | $404 |
| Year 10 | $107,096 | $106,224 | $872 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hill Top or Yerrinbool cheaper to live in?
Yerrinbool is cheaper to run by car at $9,266 per year versus $9,342 for Hill Top, a difference of $76 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Hill Top and Yerrinbool?
Annual council rates for a house are $2,140 in Hill Top (Wingecarribee rates (OLG) and $2,140 in Yerrinbool (Wingecarribee rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Hill Top and $1,300 in Yerrinbool. 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 Hill Top and Yerrinbool?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,502 from Hill Top and $3,426 from Yerrinbool to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Hill Top and $2,400 from Yerrinbool.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Hill Top and Yerrinbool?
At 3% annual cost growth, Hill Top costs a cumulative $107,096 and Yerrinbool costs $106,224 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $872 in favour of Yerrinbool. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Hill Top and Yerrinbool 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: Wingecarribee rates (OLG and Wingecarribee 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.