Nelsons Plains vs Raymond Terrace: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Nelsons Plains and Raymond Terrace are both Port Stephens rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 135.1 km and 132.6 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $0 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.
Nelsons Plains
Raymond Terrace
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Nelsons Plains | Raymond Terrace | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,415 | $1,415 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,377 | $1,377 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $23,492 | $23,492 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $8,292 | $8,292 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Nelsons Plains | Raymond Terrace | 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 — Nelsons Plains vs Raymond Terrace (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Nelsons Plains and Raymond Terrace cost within $0 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $0, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $0 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,292 and $8,292 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Nelsons Plains cumulative | Raymond Terrace cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $23,492 | $23,492 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $72,611 | $72,611 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $124,722 | $124,722 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $269,309 | $269,309 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nelsons Plains or Raymond Terrace cheaper to live in?
Nelsons Plains is cheaper to run by car at $23,492 per year versus $23,492 for Raymond Terrace, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Nelsons Plains and Raymond Terrace?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,415 in Nelsons Plains (Port Stephens rates (OLG) and $1,415 in Raymond Terrace (Port Stephens rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,377 in Nelsons Plains and $1,377 in Raymond Terrace. 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 Raymond Terrace?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Nelsons Plains and $17,600 from Raymond Terrace to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Nelsons Plains and $2,400 from Raymond Terrace.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Nelsons Plains and Raymond Terrace?
At 3% annual cost growth, Nelsons Plains costs a cumulative $269,309 and Raymond Terrace costs $269,309 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Nelsons Plains. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Nelsons Plains and Raymond Terrace 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.