Monterey vs Ramsgate Beach: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Monterey and Ramsgate Beach are both Bayside rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 12.7 km and 14 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $293 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 →Monterey
Ramsgate Beach
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Monterey | Ramsgate Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,265 | $1,265 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,610 | $3,903 | -$293 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,386 | $2,386 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,373 | $9,666 | -$293 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,149 | $8,149 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Monterey | Ramsgate Beach | 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 — Monterey vs Ramsgate Beach (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Monterey and Ramsgate Beach cost within $293 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,359, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $293 per year. Ramsgate Beach is 14 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, $8,149 and $8,149 a year, so the $293 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Monterey cumulative | Ramsgate Beach cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,373 | $9,666 | $293 |
| Year 3 | $28,971 | $29,877 | $906 |
| Year 5 | $49,763 | $51,318 | $1,555 |
| Year 10 | $107,451 | $110,810 | $3,359 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monterey or Ramsgate Beach cheaper to live in?
Monterey is cheaper to run by car at $9,373 per year versus $9,666 for Ramsgate Beach, a difference of $293 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Monterey and Ramsgate Beach?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,265 in Monterey (Bayside rates (OLG) and $1,265 in Ramsgate Beach (Bayside rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Monterey and $1,548 in Ramsgate Beach. 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 Monterey and Ramsgate Beach?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,610 from Monterey and $3,903 from Ramsgate Beach to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,386 from Monterey and $2,386 from Ramsgate Beach.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Monterey and Ramsgate Beach?
At 3% annual cost growth, Monterey costs a cumulative $107,451 and Ramsgate Beach costs $110,810 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,359 in favour of Monterey. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Monterey and Ramsgate Beach 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: Bayside rates (OLG and Bayside 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.