Port Kembla vs Warrawong: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Port Kembla and Warrawong are both Wollongong rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 73.9 km and 75.2 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $54 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 →Port Kembla
Warrawong
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Port Kembla | Warrawong | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,819 | $1,819 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,122 | $3,176 | -$54 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,289 | $9,343 | -$54 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,567 | $8,567 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Port Kembla | Warrawong | 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 — Port Kembla vs Warrawong (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Port Kembla and Warrawong cost within $54 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $619, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $54 per year. Warrawong is 75.2 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, $8,567 and $8,567 a year, so the $54 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Port Kembla cumulative | Warrawong cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,289 | $9,343 | $54 |
| Year 3 | $28,711 | $28,878 | $167 |
| Year 5 | $49,317 | $49,603 | $286 |
| Year 10 | $106,488 | $107,107 | $619 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Port Kembla or Warrawong cheaper to live in?
Port Kembla is cheaper to run by car at $9,289 per year versus $9,343 for Warrawong, a difference of $54 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Port Kembla and Warrawong?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,819 in Port Kembla (Wollongong rates (OLG) and $1,819 in Warrawong (Wollongong rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Port Kembla and $1,548 in Warrawong. 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 Port Kembla and Warrawong?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,122 from Port Kembla and $3,176 from Warrawong to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Port Kembla and $2,400 from Warrawong.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Port Kembla and Warrawong?
At 3% annual cost growth, Port Kembla costs a cumulative $106,488 and Warrawong costs $107,107 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $619 in favour of Port Kembla. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Port Kembla and Warrawong 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: Wollongong rates (OLG and Wollongong 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.