Belfield vs Belmore: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Belfield and Belmore are both Canterbury-Bankstown rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 12.2 km and 12.4 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $47 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 →Belfield
Belmore
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Belfield | Belmore | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,377 | $1,377 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,494 | $3,541 | -$47 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,386 | $2,386 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,719 | $8,766 | -$47 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,611 | $7,611 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Belfield | Belmore | 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 — Belfield vs Belmore (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Belfield and Belmore cost within $47 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $538, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $47 per year. Belmore is 12.4 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, $7,611 and $7,611 a year, so the $47 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Belfield cumulative | Belmore cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,719 | $8,766 | $47 |
| Year 3 | $26,950 | $27,095 | $145 |
| Year 5 | $46,290 | $46,540 | $250 |
| Year 10 | $99,954 | $100,492 | $538 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Belfield or Belmore cheaper to live in?
Belfield is cheaper to run by car at $8,719 per year versus $8,766 for Belmore, a difference of $47 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Belfield and Belmore?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,377 in Belfield (Canterbury-Bankstown rates (OLG) and $1,377 in Belmore (Canterbury-Bankstown rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Belfield and $1,548 in Belmore. 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 Belfield and Belmore?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,494 from Belfield and $3,541 from Belmore to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,386 from Belfield and $2,386 from Belmore.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Belfield and Belmore?
At 3% annual cost growth, Belfield costs a cumulative $99,954 and Belmore costs $100,492 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $538 in favour of Belfield. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Belfield and Belmore 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: Canterbury-Bankstown rates (OLG and Canterbury-Bankstown 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.