True annual cost of living in Charlemont, VIC 3217
Living in a house in Charlemont costs about $7,428 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Charlemont sits 6.2 kilometres from Geelong CBD. Unit costs come in at $7,278, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,800 owners corporation levy. The commute is costed by car to Geelong, at $2,005 a year, because no daily public transport commute is assumed here.
About $143 a week to run a house here, including estimates
Lower cost
Unit annual cost
$7,278
Incl. owners corporation
$607/month
About $140 a week to run a unit here, including estimates
House vs unit difference
−$150
Unit is cheaper per year
Annual cost breakdown
Council rates
Official, 2026-27 Greater Geelong rates
$1,624
Water & sewerage
Official, 2026-27 Barwon Water
$1,349
Driving commute
Modelled, 2026-27 ATO 91c/km · 6.2km from Geelong CBD · 192 days
$2,005
Home insurance
Estimated flood High · fire Medium
$2,450
Owners corporation
Estimated
$1,800
Total annual running cost
$7,428
($619/month, $143/week)
Excludes electricity, estimated separately below. Also excludes the state Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy on your rates notice: $139 a year plus 17.3 cents per $1,000 of your home's capital improved value (2026-27).
Near Greater Geelong City Council average
SuburbCost affordability score ●●●○○6.5/10 Good
Cheaper to run than 88% of Greater Geelong City Council suburbs. Score blends running cost (50%), schools (20%) and flood & fire risk (30%).
Estimated electricity cost
typical 2-person household
House
$1,870/yr
4,840 kWh
Unit
$1,528/yr
3,630 kWh
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Charlemont's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for its electricity network. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Charlemont to Geelong CBD?
Public transport options are limited in Charlemont; driving is the practical commute at $2,005 per year.
What are the council rates in Charlemont?
Charlemont falls under Greater Geelong City Council. The average residential rate for 2026-27 is $1,624 per year, from the council's budget: residential rate revenue divided by the number of residential assessments, plus the council's municipal charge where it sets one. Victorian councils rate on capital improved value, so individual properties pay more or less than the average. The figure excludes waste charges and the state Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy.
What does it cost to run a unit in Charlemont?
Running a unit in Charlemont costs approximately $7,278 per year by car or $7,278 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,624, water and sewerage $1,349, estimated owners corporation levy of $1,800, and contents insurance of $500. Owners corporation fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.
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Included:
Annual cost breakdown
10-year cost projection
School scores & catchments
Flood & fire risk ratings
Crime risk ratings
AI suburb recommendations
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Data sources: Council rates: Greater Geelong rates (2026-27 budget). Water: Barwon Water 2026-27. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2026–27 (91c/km). Insurance: estimated from ACCC 2026 premium rates for the area's cyclone risk on a standard $600,000 home, adjusted for flood and fire, disclosed as estimate. Schools: ACARA ICSEA 2025. Risk: Flood: Victorian planning scheme flood overlays (FO, LSIO, SBO). Fire: Bushfire Management Overlay and Bushfire Prone Area. Data last verified November 2026. Cost estimates are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute financial, insurance, or credit advice.