West Bathurst vs Windradyne, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
West Bathurst and Windradyne are both Bathurst Regional rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 2.3 km and 3.1 km from Bathurst CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $260 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, West Bathurst costs about $3,000 less to run than Windradyne. That's about $6 a week.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict → Personalise this comparison with your own commute, home type and loan →West Bathurst
Windradyne
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | West Bathurst | Windradyne | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,341 | $1,341 | - |
| Water & sewerage Estimated | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $781 | $1,041 | -$260 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $781 | $1,041 | -$260 |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,550 | $1,550 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $4,972 | $5,232 | -$260 |
| Total (public transport) | $4,972 | $5,232 | -$260 |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | West Bathurst | Windradyne | 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, West Bathurst vs Windradyne (2026-27)
What the numbers show
West Bathurst and Windradyne cost within $260 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,981, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $260 per year. Windradyne is 3.1 km from Bathurst CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $260 per year, $4,972 from West Bathurst versus $5,232 from Windradyne.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,341 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute favours West Bathurst by $260 a year, $781 against $1,041.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,550 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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | West Bathurst cumulative | Windradyne cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $4,972 | $5,232 | $260 |
| Year 3 | $15,368 | $16,172 | $804 |
| Year 5 | $26,397 | $27,777 | $1,380 |
| Year 10 | $56,998 | $59,979 | $2,981 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is West Bathurst or Windradyne cheaper to live in?
West Bathurst is cheaper to run by car at $4,972 per year versus $5,232 for Windradyne, a difference of $260 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in West Bathurst and Windradyne?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,341 in West Bathurst (Bathurst Regional rates (OLG) and $1,341 in Windradyne (Bathurst Regional rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in West Bathurst and $1,300 in Windradyne. 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 West Bathurst and Windradyne?
Annual driving commute costs are $781 from West Bathurst and $1,041 from Windradyne to Bathurst CBD (ATO 91c/km). No daily public transport commute is assumed from either suburb, so both are costed by car.
What is the 10-year cost difference between West Bathurst and Windradyne?
At 3% annual cost growth, West Bathurst costs a cumulative $56,998 and Windradyne costs $59,979 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,981 in favour of West Bathurst. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of West Bathurst and Windradyne suits you better?
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: Bathurst Regional 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 insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.