South Tamworth vs Tamworth: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
South Tamworth and Tamworth are both Tamworth Regional rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 1.8 km and 0 km from Tamworth CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $101 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 →South Tamworth
Tamworth
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | South Tamworth | Tamworth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,442 | $1,442 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $615 | $514 | +$101 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,700 | $1,700 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $5,057 | $4,956 | +$101 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,842 | $6,842 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | South Tamworth | Tamworth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $3,150 | $3,150 | - |
| Unit | $2,611 | $2,611 | - |
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 — South Tamworth vs Tamworth (2026-27)
What the numbers show
South Tamworth and Tamworth cost within $101 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,158, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $101 per year. South Tamworth is 1.8 km from Tamworth CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,842 and $6,842 a year, so the $101 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,442 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute favours Tamworth by $101 a year, $514 against $615.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,700 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.
The catchment state school scores 5.9 in Tamworth against 1.7 in South Tamworth, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | South Tamworth cumulative | Tamworth cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $5,057 | $4,956 | $101 |
| Year 3 | $15,631 | $15,319 | $312 |
| Year 5 | $26,848 | $26,312 | $536 |
| Year 10 | $57,973 | $56,815 | $1,158 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is South Tamworth or Tamworth cheaper to live in?
Tamworth is cheaper to run by car at $4,956 per year versus $5,057 for South Tamworth, a difference of $101 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in South Tamworth and Tamworth?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,442 in South Tamworth (Tamworth Regional rates (OLG) and $1,442 in Tamworth (Tamworth Regional rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in South Tamworth and $1,300 in Tamworth. 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 South Tamworth and Tamworth?
Annual driving commute costs are $615 from South Tamworth and $514 from Tamworth to Tamworth CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from South Tamworth and $2,400 from Tamworth.
What is the 10-year cost difference between South Tamworth and Tamworth?
At 3% annual cost growth, South Tamworth costs a cumulative $57,973 and Tamworth costs $56,815 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,158 in favour of Tamworth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of South Tamworth and Tamworth 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: Tamworth Regional rates (OLG and Tamworth 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.