Belrose vs Davidson: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Belrose and Davidson are both Northern Beaches rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 15.7 km and 14.6 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $231 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 →Belrose
Davidson
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Belrose | Davidson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,766 | $1,766 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,264 | $4,033 | +$231 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,386 | $2,386 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,550 | $2,550 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,128 | $9,897 | +$231 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,250 | $8,250 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Belrose | Davidson | 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 — Belrose vs Davidson (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Belrose and Davidson cost within $231 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,648, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $231 per year. Belrose is 15.7 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, $8,250 and $8,250 a year, so the $231 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Belrose cumulative | Davidson cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,128 | $9,897 | $231 |
| Year 3 | $31,305 | $30,591 | $714 |
| Year 5 | $53,771 | $52,545 | $1,226 |
| Year 10 | $116,106 | $113,458 | $2,648 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Belrose or Davidson cheaper to live in?
Davidson is cheaper to run by car at $9,897 per year versus $10,128 for Belrose, a difference of $231 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Belrose and Davidson?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,766 in Belrose (Northern Beaches rates (OLG) and $1,766 in Davidson (Northern Beaches rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Belrose and $1,548 in Davidson. 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 Belrose and Davidson?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,264 from Belrose and $4,033 from Davidson to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,386 from Belrose and $2,386 from Davidson.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Belrose and Davidson?
At 3% annual cost growth, Belrose costs a cumulative $116,106 and Davidson costs $113,458 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,648 in favour of Davidson. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Belrose and Davidson 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.