Hillsborough vs Windermere: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Hillsborough and Windermere are both Maitland rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 42.6 km and 41.9 km from Newcastle CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $14 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 →Hillsborough
Windermere
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Hillsborough | Windermere | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,970 | $1,970 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,377 | $1,377 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,959 | $6,973 | -$14 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,450 | $2,450 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,756 | $12,770 | -$14 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,197 | $8,197 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Hillsborough | Windermere | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,342 | $2,342 | - |
| Unit | $1,909 | $1,909 | - |
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 — Hillsborough vs Windermere (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Hillsborough and Windermere cost within $14 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $161, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $14 per year. Hillsborough is 42.6 km from Newcastle CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,197 and $8,197 a year, so the $14 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,970 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,377 a year.
- Driving commute favours Hillsborough by $14 a year, $6,959 against $6,973.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,450 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 | Hillsborough cumulative | Windermere cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,756 | $12,770 | $14 |
| Year 3 | $39,428 | $39,471 | $43 |
| Year 5 | $67,723 | $67,798 | $75 |
| Year 10 | $146,233 | $146,394 | $161 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hillsborough or Windermere cheaper to live in?
Hillsborough is cheaper to run by car at $12,756 per year versus $12,770 for Windermere, a difference of $14 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Hillsborough and Windermere?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,970 in Hillsborough (Maitland rates (OLG) and $1,970 in Windermere (Maitland rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,377 in Hillsborough and $1,377 in Windermere. 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 Hillsborough and Windermere?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,959 from Hillsborough and $6,973 from Windermere to Newcastle CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Hillsborough and $2,400 from Windermere.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Hillsborough and Windermere?
At 3% annual cost growth, Hillsborough costs a cumulative $146,233 and Windermere costs $146,394 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $161 in favour of Hillsborough. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Hillsborough and Windermere 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: Maitland rates (OLG and Maitland 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.