Arcadia vs Galston, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Arcadia and Galston are both Hornsby rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 31.8 km and 28.4 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $294 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, Galston costs about $3,400 less to run than Arcadia. That's about $6 a week.
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Galston
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Arcadia | Galston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,541 | $1,541 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $6,695 | $6,401 | +$294 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,634 | $11,340 | +$294 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,339 | $7,339 | - |
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 | Arcadia | Galston | 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, Arcadia vs Galston (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Arcadia and Galston cost within $294 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,371, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $294 per year. Arcadia is 31.8 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, $7,339 and $7,339 a year, so the $294 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,541 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Galston by $294 a year, $6,401 against $6,695.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,850 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 | Arcadia cumulative | Galston cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,634 | $11,340 | $294 |
| Year 3 | $35,960 | $35,051 | $909 |
| Year 5 | $61,766 | $60,206 | $1,560 |
| Year 10 | $133,371 | $130,000 | $3,371 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arcadia or Galston cheaper to live in?
Galston is cheaper to run by car at $11,340 per year versus $11,634 for Arcadia, a difference of $294 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Arcadia and Galston?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,541 in Arcadia (Hornsby rates (OLG) and $1,541 in Galston (Hornsby rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Arcadia and $1,548 in Galston. 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 Arcadia and Galston?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,695 from Arcadia and $6,401 from Galston to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Arcadia and $2,400 from Galston.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Arcadia and Galston?
At 3% annual cost growth, Arcadia costs a cumulative $133,371 and Galston costs $130,000 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,371 in favour of Galston. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Arcadia and Galston suits you better?
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Sources: Hornsby rates (OLG and Hornsby 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.