Macquarie Pass vs Mount Murray: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Macquarie Pass (Shellharbour rates (OLG) and Mount Murray (Wingecarribee rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (92 km and 92.6 km).
The two sit within $52 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 →Macquarie Pass
Mount Murray
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Macquarie Pass | Mount Murray | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,865 | $2,140 | -$275 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,300 | +$248 |
| Commute (driving) | $3,886 | $3,911 | -$25 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,699 | $9,751 | -$52 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,213 | $8,240 | -$27 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Macquarie Pass | Mount Murray | 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 — Macquarie Pass vs Mount Murray (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Macquarie Pass and Mount Murray cost within $52 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $596, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $275 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,213 and $8,240 a year, so the $52 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Macquarie Pass cumulative | Mount Murray cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,699 | $9,751 | $52 |
| Year 3 | $29,979 | $30,139 | $160 |
| Year 5 | $51,493 | $51,769 | $276 |
| Year 10 | $111,188 | $111,784 | $596 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Macquarie Pass or Mount Murray cheaper to live in?
Macquarie Pass is cheaper to run by car at $9,699 per year versus $9,751 for Mount Murray, a difference of $52 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Macquarie Pass and Mount Murray?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,865 in Macquarie Pass (Shellharbour rates (OLG) and $2,140 in Mount Murray (Wingecarribee rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Macquarie Pass and $1,300 in Mount Murray. 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 Macquarie Pass and Mount Murray?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,886 from Macquarie Pass and $3,911 from Mount Murray to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Macquarie Pass and $2,400 from Mount Murray.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Macquarie Pass and Mount Murray?
At 3% annual cost growth, Macquarie Pass costs a cumulative $111,188 and Mount Murray costs $111,784 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $596 in favour of Macquarie Pass. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Macquarie Pass and Mount Murray 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 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.