Laffing Waters vs Yarras: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Laffing Waters and Yarras are both Bathurst Regional rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 156.6 km and 153.2 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $0 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.
Laffing Waters
Yarras
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Laffing Waters | Yarras | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,341 | $1,341 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,700 | $1,700 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $21,941 | $21,941 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $6,741 | $6,741 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Laffing Waters | Yarras | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,554 | $2,554 | - |
| Unit | $2,020 | $2,020 | - |
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 — Laffing Waters vs Yarras (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Laffing Waters and Yarras cost within $0 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $0, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $0 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,741 and $6,741 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Laffing Waters cumulative | Yarras cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $21,941 | $21,941 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $67,817 | $67,817 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $116,488 | $116,488 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $251,529 | $251,529 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Laffing Waters or Yarras cheaper to live in?
Laffing Waters is cheaper to run by car at $21,941 per year versus $21,941 for Yarras, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Laffing Waters and Yarras?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,341 in Laffing Waters (Bathurst Regional rates (OLG) and $1,341 in Yarras (Bathurst Regional rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Laffing Waters and $1,300 in Yarras. 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 Laffing Waters and Yarras?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Laffing Waters and $17,600 from Yarras to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Laffing Waters and $2,400 from Yarras.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Laffing Waters and Yarras?
At 3% annual cost growth, Laffing Waters costs a cumulative $251,529 and Yarras costs $251,529 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Laffing Waters. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Laffing Waters and Yarras 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: Bathurst Regional rates (OLG and Bathurst Regional 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.