Kungala vs Wells Crossing: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Kungala and Wells Crossing are both Clarence Valley rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 39.5 km and 43 km from Coffs Harbour CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $39 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 →Kungala
Wells Crossing
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kungala | Wells Crossing | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,439 | $1,439 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,988 | $6,949 | +$39 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,127 | $12,088 | +$39 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,539 | $7,539 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Kungala | Wells Crossing | 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 — Kungala vs Wells Crossing (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kungala and Wells Crossing cost within $39 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $447, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $39 per year. Wells Crossing is 43 km from Coffs Harbour CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,539 and $7,539 a year, so the $39 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,439 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute favours Wells Crossing by $39 a year, $6,949 against $6,988.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,400 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 | Kungala cumulative | Wells Crossing cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,127 | $12,088 | $39 |
| Year 3 | $37,483 | $37,363 | $120 |
| Year 5 | $64,384 | $64,177 | $207 |
| Year 10 | $139,022 | $138,575 | $447 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kungala or Wells Crossing cheaper to live in?
Wells Crossing is cheaper to run by car at $12,088 per year versus $12,127 for Kungala, a difference of $39 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kungala and Wells Crossing?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,439 in Kungala (Clarence Valley rates (OLG) and $1,439 in Wells Crossing (Clarence Valley rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Kungala and $1,300 in Wells Crossing. 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 Kungala and Wells Crossing?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,988 from Kungala and $6,949 from Wells Crossing to Coffs Harbour CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Kungala and $2,400 from Wells Crossing.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kungala and Wells Crossing?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kungala costs a cumulative $139,022 and Wells Crossing costs $138,575 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $447 in favour of Wells Crossing. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kungala and Wells Crossing 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: Clarence Valley rates (OLG and Clarence Valley 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.