Beaconsfield vs Zetland, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Beaconsfield and Zetland are both Sydney rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 4.8 km and 4.3 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $155 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, Zetland costs about $1,800 less to run than Beaconsfield. That's about $3 a week.
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Zetland
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Beaconsfield | Zetland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $924 | $924 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $1,577 | $1,422 | +$155 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $3,500 | $3,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $5,899 | $5,744 | +$155 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,242 | $6,242 | - |
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 | Beaconsfield | Zetland | 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, Beaconsfield vs Zetland (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Beaconsfield and Zetland cost within $155 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,776, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $155 per year. Beaconsfield is 4.8 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, $6,242 and $6,242 a year, so the $155 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $924 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Zetland by $155 a year, $1,422 against $1,577.
- 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 | Beaconsfield cumulative | Zetland cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $5,899 | $5,744 | $155 |
| Year 3 | $18,233 | $17,754 | $479 |
| Year 5 | $31,319 | $30,496 | $823 |
| Year 10 | $67,625 | $65,849 | $1,776 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beaconsfield or Zetland cheaper to live in?
Zetland is cheaper to run by car at $5,744 per year versus $5,899 for Beaconsfield, a difference of $155 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Beaconsfield and Zetland?
Annual council rates for a house are $924 in Beaconsfield (Sydney rates (OLG) and $924 in Zetland (Sydney rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Beaconsfield and $1,548 in Zetland. 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 Beaconsfield and Zetland?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,577 from Beaconsfield and $1,422 from Zetland to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $1,920 from Beaconsfield and $1,920 from Zetland.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Beaconsfield and Zetland?
At 3% annual cost growth, Beaconsfield costs a cumulative $67,625 and Zetland costs $65,849 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,776 in favour of Zetland. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Beaconsfield and Zetland suits you better?
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Related comparisons
Sources: Sydney rates (OLG and Sydney 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.