Narellan Vale vs Smeaton Grange: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Narellan Vale and Smeaton Grange are both Camden rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 47.6 km and 45.8 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $102 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 →Narellan Vale
Smeaton Grange
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Narellan Vale | Smeaton Grange | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,573 | $1,573 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,514 | $6,616 | -$102 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,485 | $11,587 | -$102 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,371 | $7,371 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Narellan Vale | Smeaton Grange | 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 — Narellan Vale vs Smeaton Grange (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Narellan Vale and Smeaton Grange cost within $102 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,169, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $102 per year. Narellan Vale is 47.6 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, $7,371 and $7,371 a year, so the $102 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Narellan Vale cumulative | Smeaton Grange cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,485 | $11,587 | $102 |
| Year 3 | $35,499 | $35,814 | $315 |
| Year 5 | $60,975 | $61,517 | $542 |
| Year 10 | $131,663 | $132,832 | $1,169 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Narellan Vale or Smeaton Grange cheaper to live in?
Narellan Vale is cheaper to run by car at $11,485 per year versus $11,587 for Smeaton Grange, a difference of $102 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Narellan Vale and Smeaton Grange?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,573 in Narellan Vale (Camden rates (OLG) and $1,573 in Smeaton Grange (Camden rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Narellan Vale and $1,548 in Smeaton Grange. 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 Narellan Vale and Smeaton Grange?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,514 from Narellan Vale and $6,616 from Smeaton Grange to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Narellan Vale and $2,400 from Smeaton Grange.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Narellan Vale and Smeaton Grange?
At 3% annual cost growth, Narellan Vale costs a cumulative $131,663 and Smeaton Grange costs $132,832 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,169 in favour of Narellan Vale. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Narellan Vale and Smeaton Grange 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: Camden rates (OLG and Camden 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.