Macquarie Pass vs Tongarra: 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 and Tongarra are both Shellharbour rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 92 km and 93.2 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $51 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
Tongarra
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Macquarie Pass | Tongarra | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,865 | $1,865 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,886 | $3,937 | -$51 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,699 | $9,750 | -$51 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,213 | $8,213 | - |
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 | Tongarra | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,420 | $2,148 | +$272 |
| Unit | $1,920 | $1,716 | +$204 |
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 Tongarra (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Macquarie Pass and Tongarra cost within $51 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $585, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $51 per year. Tongarra is 93.2 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,213 and $8,213 a year, so the $51 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Macquarie Pass cumulative | Tongarra cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,699 | $9,750 | $51 |
| Year 3 | $29,979 | $30,136 | $157 |
| Year 5 | $51,493 | $51,764 | $271 |
| Year 10 | $111,188 | $111,773 | $585 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Macquarie Pass or Tongarra cheaper to live in?
Macquarie Pass is cheaper to run by car at $9,699 per year versus $9,750 for Tongarra, a difference of $51 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 Tongarra?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,865 in Macquarie Pass (Shellharbour rates (OLG) and $1,865 in Tongarra (Shellharbour rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Macquarie Pass and $1,548 in Tongarra. 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 Tongarra?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,886 from Macquarie Pass and $3,937 from Tongarra to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Macquarie Pass and $2,400 from Tongarra.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Macquarie Pass and Tongarra?
At 3% annual cost growth, Macquarie Pass costs a cumulative $111,188 and Tongarra costs $111,773 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $585 in favour of Macquarie Pass. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Macquarie Pass and Tongarra 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 Shellharbour 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.