Nelsons Plains vs Osterley: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Nelsons Plains and Osterley are both Port Stephens rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 22.1 km and 23.8 km from Newcastle CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $253 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 →Nelsons Plains
Osterley
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Nelsons Plains | Osterley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,415 | $1,415 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,377 | $1,377 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,589 | $5,842 | -$253 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,481 | $11,734 | -$253 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,292 | $8,292 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Nelsons Plains | Osterley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,342 | $2,342 | - |
| Unit | $1,909 | $1,909 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Nelsons Plains vs Osterley (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Nelsons Plains and Osterley cost within $253 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,900, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $253 per year. Osterley is 23.8 km from Newcastle CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,292 and $8,292 a year, so the $253 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,415 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,377 a year.
- Driving commute favours Nelsons Plains by $253 a year, $5,589 against $5,842.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,100 a year.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Nelsons Plains cumulative | Osterley cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,481 | $11,734 | $253 |
| Year 3 | $35,487 | $36,269 | $782 |
| Year 5 | $60,954 | $62,297 | $1,343 |
| Year 10 | $131,617 | $134,517 | $2,900 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nelsons Plains or Osterley cheaper to live in?
Nelsons Plains is cheaper to run by car at $11,481 per year versus $11,734 for Osterley, a difference of $253 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Nelsons Plains and Osterley?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,415 in Nelsons Plains (Port Stephens rates (OLG) and $1,415 in Osterley (Port Stephens rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,377 in Nelsons Plains and $1,377 in Osterley. 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 Nelsons Plains and Osterley?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,589 from Nelsons Plains and $5,842 from Osterley to Newcastle CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Nelsons Plains and $2,400 from Osterley.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Nelsons Plains and Osterley?
At 3% annual cost growth, Nelsons Plains costs a cumulative $131,617 and Osterley costs $134,517 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,900 in favour of Nelsons Plains. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Nelsons Plains and Osterley 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: Port Stephens rates (OLG and Port Stephens rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.