O'Connell vs Wambool: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
O'Connell (Oberon rates (OLG) and Wambool (Bathurst Regional rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Bathurst CBD (21.1 km and 20.4 km).
The two sit within $216 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 →O'Connell
Wambool
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | O'Connell | Wambool | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,007 | $1,341 | -$334 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,429 | $5,311 | +$118 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $2,000 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,736 | $9,952 | -$216 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,707 | $7,041 | -$334 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | O'Connell | Wambool | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $3,257 | $3,257 | - |
| Unit | $2,691 | $2,691 | - |
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 — O'Connell vs Wambool (2026-27)
What the numbers show
O'Connell and Wambool cost within $216 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,477, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $334 per year.
On public transport the gap is $334 per year, $6,707 from O'Connell versus $7,041 from Wambool.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates favours O'Connell by $334 a year, $1,007 against $1,341.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute favours Wambool by $118 a year, $5,311 against $5,429.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,000 a year.
They sit in different council areas, so the rates line is set by two different councils. For NSW that figure is the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by that council's IPART rate peg.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | O'Connell cumulative | Wambool cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,736 | $9,952 | $216 |
| Year 3 | $30,093 | $30,761 | $668 |
| Year 5 | $51,690 | $52,837 | $1,147 |
| Year 10 | $111,612 | $114,089 | $2,477 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is O'Connell or Wambool cheaper to live in?
O'Connell is cheaper to run by car at $9,736 per year versus $9,952 for Wambool, a difference of $216 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in O'Connell and Wambool?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,007 in O'Connell (Oberon rates (OLG) and $1,341 in Wambool (Bathurst Regional rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in O'Connell and $1,300 in Wambool. 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 O'Connell and Wambool?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,429 from O'Connell and $5,311 from Wambool to Bathurst CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from O'Connell and $2,400 from Wambool.
What is the 10-year cost difference between O'Connell and Wambool?
At 3% annual cost growth, O'Connell costs a cumulative $111,612 and Wambool costs $114,089 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,477 in favour of O'Connell. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of O'Connell and Wambool 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: Oberon rates (OLG and Bathurst Regional 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.