Balgowlah Heights vs Clontarf: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Balgowlah Heights and Clontarf are both Northern Beaches rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 8.6 km and 8.1 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $134 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 →Balgowlah Heights
Clontarf
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Balgowlah Heights | Clontarf | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,766 | $1,766 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,594 | $2,460 | +$134 |
| Commute (public transport) | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,508 | $8,374 | +$134 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,834 | $7,834 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Balgowlah Heights | Clontarf | 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 — Balgowlah Heights vs Clontarf (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Balgowlah Heights and Clontarf cost within $134 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,536, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $134 per year. Balgowlah Heights is 8.6 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, $7,834 and $7,834 a year, so the $134 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Balgowlah Heights cumulative | Clontarf cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,508 | $8,374 | $134 |
| Year 3 | $26,297 | $25,883 | $414 |
| Year 5 | $45,170 | $44,459 | $711 |
| Year 10 | $97,535 | $95,999 | $1,536 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Balgowlah Heights or Clontarf cheaper to live in?
Clontarf is cheaper to run by car at $8,374 per year versus $8,508 for Balgowlah Heights, a difference of $134 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Balgowlah Heights and Clontarf?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,766 in Balgowlah Heights (Northern Beaches rates (OLG) and $1,766 in Clontarf (Northern Beaches rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Balgowlah Heights and $1,548 in Clontarf. 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 Balgowlah Heights and Clontarf?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,594 from Balgowlah Heights and $2,460 from Clontarf to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $1,920 from Balgowlah Heights and $1,920 from Clontarf.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Balgowlah Heights and Clontarf?
At 3% annual cost growth, Balgowlah Heights costs a cumulative $97,535 and Clontarf costs $95,999 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,536 in favour of Clontarf. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Balgowlah Heights and Clontarf 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: Northern Beaches rates (OLG and Northern Beaches 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.