Arncliffe vs Wolli Creek: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Arncliffe and Wolli Creek are both Bayside rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 9.9 km and 8.5 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Wolli Creek runs $364 a year cheaper than Arncliffe, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $4,173.
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 →Arncliffe
Wolli Creek
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Arncliffe | Wolli Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,265 | $1,265 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,931 | $2,567 | +$364 |
| Commute (public transport) | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,694 | $8,330 | +$364 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,683 | $7,683 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Arncliffe | Wolli Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,148 | $2,148 | - |
| Unit | $1,716 | $1,716 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2025 rates (QLD 30c/kWh, NSW 33c/kWh incl. supply charge; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Arncliffe vs Wolli Creek (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Wolli Creek costs $364 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $4,173 in favour of Wolli Creek.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $364 per year. Arncliffe is 9.9 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,683 and $7,683 a year, so the $364 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Arncliffe cumulative | Wolli Creek cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,694 | $8,330 | $364 |
| Year 3 | $26,872 | $25,747 | $1,125 |
| Year 5 | $46,158 | $44,225 | $1,933 |
| Year 10 | $99,667 | $95,494 | $4,173 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arncliffe or Wolli Creek cheaper to live in?
Wolli Creek is cheaper to run by car at $8,330 per year versus $8,694 for Arncliffe, a difference of $364 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Arncliffe and Wolli Creek?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,265 in Arncliffe (Bayside rates (OLG) and $1,265 in Wolli Creek (Bayside rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Arncliffe and $1,548 in Wolli Creek. 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 Arncliffe and Wolli Creek?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,931 from Arncliffe and $2,567 from Wolli Creek to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $1,920 from Arncliffe and $1,920 from Wolli Creek.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Arncliffe and Wolli Creek?
At 3% annual cost growth, Arncliffe costs a cumulative $99,667 and Wolli Creek costs $95,494 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $4,173 in favour of Wolli Creek. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Arncliffe and Wolli Creek 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: Bayside rates (OLG and Bayside rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.