Blackett vs Shalvey: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Blackett and Shalvey are both Blacktown City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 11.54% adopted for suburbs, sitting 39.4 km and 40.3 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $1 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.
Blackett
Shalvey
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Blackett | Shalvey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,360 | $1,360 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,757 | $6,758 | -$1 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,515 | $11,516 | -$1 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,158 | $7,158 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Blackett | Shalvey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,420 | $2,420 | - |
| Unit | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
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 — Blackett vs Shalvey (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Blackett and Shalvey cost within $1 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $11, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $1 per year. Shalvey is 40.3 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, $7,158 and $7,158 a year, so the $1 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Blackett cumulative | Shalvey cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,515 | $11,516 | $1 |
| Year 3 | $35,592 | $35,595 | $3 |
| Year 5 | $61,135 | $61,140 | $5 |
| Year 10 | $132,007 | $132,018 | $11 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blackett or Shalvey cheaper to live in?
Blackett is cheaper to run by car at $11,515 per year versus $11,516 for Shalvey, a difference of $1 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Blackett and Shalvey?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,360 in Blackett (Blacktown City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 11.54% adopted for) and $1,360 in Shalvey (Blacktown City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 11.54% adopted for). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Blackett and $1,548 in Shalvey. 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 Blackett and Shalvey?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,757 from Blackett and $6,758 from Shalvey to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Blackett and $2,400 from Shalvey.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Blackett and Shalvey?
At 3% annual cost growth, Blackett costs a cumulative $132,007 and Shalvey costs $132,018 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $11 in favour of Blackett. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Blackett and Shalvey 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: Blacktown City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 11.54% adopted for and Blacktown City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 11.54% adopted for 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.