Tongarra vs Yellow Rock Ridge: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Tongarra and Yellow Rock Ridge are both Shellharbour rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 93.2 km and 92.6 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $26 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 →Tongarra
Yellow Rock Ridge
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Tongarra | Yellow Rock Ridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,865 | $1,865 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,937 | $3,911 | +$26 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,750 | $9,724 | +$26 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,213 | $8,213 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Tongarra | Yellow Rock Ridge | 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 — Tongarra vs Yellow Rock Ridge (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Tongarra and Yellow Rock Ridge cost within $26 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $298, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $26 per year. Tongarra is 93.2 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, $8,213 and $8,213 a year, so the $26 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Tongarra cumulative | Yellow Rock Ridge cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,750 | $9,724 | $26 |
| Year 3 | $30,136 | $30,056 | $80 |
| Year 5 | $51,764 | $51,626 | $138 |
| Year 10 | $111,773 | $111,475 | $298 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tongarra or Yellow Rock Ridge cheaper to live in?
Yellow Rock Ridge is cheaper to run by car at $9,724 per year versus $9,750 for Tongarra, a difference of $26 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Tongarra and Yellow Rock Ridge?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,865 in Tongarra (Shellharbour rates (OLG) and $1,865 in Yellow Rock Ridge (Shellharbour rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Tongarra and $1,548 in Yellow Rock Ridge. 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 Tongarra and Yellow Rock Ridge?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,937 from Tongarra and $3,911 from Yellow Rock Ridge to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Tongarra and $2,400 from Yellow Rock Ridge.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Tongarra and Yellow Rock Ridge?
At 3% annual cost growth, Tongarra costs a cumulative $111,773 and Yellow Rock Ridge costs $111,475 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $298 in favour of Yellow Rock Ridge. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Tongarra and Yellow Rock Ridge 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: Shellharbour rates (OLG and Shellharbour 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.