Alfords Point vs Illawong: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Alfords Point and Illawong are both Sutherland rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 21.1 km and 21.5 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $65 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 →Alfords Point
Illawong
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Alfords Point | Illawong | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,617 | $1,617 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,429 | $5,494 | -$65 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,250 | $3,250 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,844 | $11,909 | -$65 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,815 | $8,815 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Alfords Point | Illawong | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,342 | $2,342 | - |
| Unit | $1,909 | $1,909 | - |
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 — Alfords Point vs Illawong (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Alfords Point and Illawong cost within $65 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $745, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $65 per year. Illawong is 21.5 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,815 and $8,815 a year, so the $65 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,617 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Alfords Point by $65 a year, $5,429 against $5,494.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,250 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 | Alfords Point cumulative | Illawong cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,844 | $11,909 | $65 |
| Year 3 | $36,609 | $36,810 | $201 |
| Year 5 | $62,881 | $63,226 | $345 |
| Year 10 | $135,778 | $136,523 | $745 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alfords Point or Illawong cheaper to live in?
Alfords Point is cheaper to run by car at $11,844 per year versus $11,909 for Illawong, a difference of $65 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Alfords Point and Illawong?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,617 in Alfords Point (Sutherland rates (OLG) and $1,617 in Illawong (Sutherland rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Alfords Point and $1,548 in Illawong. 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 Alfords Point and Illawong?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,429 from Alfords Point and $5,494 from Illawong to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Alfords Point and $2,400 from Illawong.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Alfords Point and Illawong?
At 3% annual cost growth, Alfords Point costs a cumulative $135,778 and Illawong costs $136,523 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $745 in favour of Alfords Point. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Alfords Point and Illawong 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: Sutherland rates (OLG and Sutherland 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.