Kiama Downs vs Minnamurra: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Kiama Downs (Shellharbour rates (OLG) and Minnamurra (Kiama rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (91.7 km and 90.2 km).
The two sit within $31 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 →Kiama Downs
Minnamurra
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kiama Downs | Minnamurra | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,865 | $1,959 | -$94 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,873 | $3,810 | +$63 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,086 | $10,117 | -$31 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,613 | $8,707 | -$94 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Kiama Downs | Minnamurra | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,148 | $2,148 | - |
| Unit | $1,716 | $1,716 | - |
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 — Kiama Downs vs Minnamurra (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kiama Downs and Minnamurra cost within $31 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $355, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $94 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,613 and $8,707 a year, so the $31 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kiama Downs cumulative | Minnamurra cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,086 | $10,117 | $31 |
| Year 3 | $31,175 | $31,271 | $96 |
| Year 5 | $53,548 | $53,713 | $165 |
| Year 10 | $115,625 | $115,980 | $355 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kiama Downs or Minnamurra cheaper to live in?
Kiama Downs is cheaper to run by car at $10,086 per year versus $10,117 for Minnamurra, a difference of $31 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kiama Downs and Minnamurra?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,865 in Kiama Downs (Shellharbour rates (OLG) and $1,959 in Minnamurra (Kiama rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Kiama Downs and $1,548 in Minnamurra. 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 Kiama Downs and Minnamurra?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,873 from Kiama Downs and $3,810 from Minnamurra to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Kiama Downs and $2,400 from Minnamurra.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kiama Downs and Minnamurra?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kiama Downs costs a cumulative $115,625 and Minnamurra costs $115,980 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $355 in favour of Kiama Downs. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kiama Downs and Minnamurra 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: Shellharbour rates (OLG and Kiama 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.