Warilla vs Windang: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Warilla (Shellharbour rates (OLG) and Windang (Wollongong rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (82.5 km and 79.7 km).
The two sit within $132 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 →Warilla
Windang
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Warilla | Windang | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,865 | $1,819 | +$46 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,604 | $3,482 | +$122 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $3,100 | -$300 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,817 | $9,949 | -$132 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,613 | $8,867 | -$254 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Warilla | Windang | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,442 | $2,442 | - |
| Unit | $2,001 | $2,001 | - |
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 — Warilla vs Windang (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Warilla and Windang cost within $132 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,513, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $300 per year. Windang carries high flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the gap is $254 per year, $8,613 from Warilla versus $8,867 from Windang.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates favours Windang by $46 a year, $1,819 against $1,865.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Windang by $122 a year, $3,482 against $3,604.
- Building insurance favours Warilla by $300 a year, $2,800 against $3,100.
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.
Fire risk is rated medium in Windang against low in Warilla, which feeds the insurance estimate. The catchment state school scores 5.7 in Windang against 4.4 in Warilla, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Warilla cumulative | Windang cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,817 | $9,949 | $132 |
| Year 3 | $30,343 | $30,751 | $408 |
| Year 5 | $52,120 | $52,821 | $701 |
| Year 10 | $112,541 | $114,054 | $1,513 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Warilla or Windang cheaper to live in?
Warilla is cheaper to run by car at $9,817 per year versus $9,949 for Windang, a difference of $132 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Warilla and Windang?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,865 in Warilla (Shellharbour rates (OLG) and $1,819 in Windang (Wollongong rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Warilla and $1,548 in Windang. 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 Warilla and Windang?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,604 from Warilla and $3,482 from Windang to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Warilla and $2,400 from Windang.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Warilla and Windang?
At 3% annual cost growth, Warilla costs a cumulative $112,541 and Windang costs $114,054 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,513 in favour of Warilla. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Warilla and Windang 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: Shellharbour rates (OLG and Wollongong 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.