Bradfield vs Rossmore: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Bradfield and Rossmore are both Liverpool rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 43.4 km and 40.4 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $48 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 →Bradfield
Rossmore
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Bradfield | Rossmore | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,710 | $6,758 | -$48 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,150 | $2,150 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,784 | $11,832 | -$48 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,474 | $7,474 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Bradfield | Rossmore | 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 — Bradfield vs Rossmore (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bradfield and Rossmore cost within $48 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $551, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $48 per year. Bradfield is 43.4 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, $7,474 and $7,474 a year, so the $48 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Bradfield cumulative | Rossmore cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,784 | $11,832 | $48 |
| Year 3 | $36,423 | $36,572 | $149 |
| Year 5 | $62,563 | $62,818 | $255 |
| Year 10 | $135,090 | $135,641 | $551 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bradfield or Rossmore cheaper to live in?
Bradfield is cheaper to run by car at $11,784 per year versus $11,832 for Rossmore, a difference of $48 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Bradfield and Rossmore?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Bradfield (Liverpool rates (OLG) and $1,376 in Rossmore (Liverpool rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Bradfield and $1,548 in Rossmore. 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 Bradfield and Rossmore?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,710 from Bradfield and $6,758 from Rossmore to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Bradfield and $2,400 from Rossmore.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Bradfield and Rossmore?
At 3% annual cost growth, Bradfield costs a cumulative $135,090 and Rossmore costs $135,641 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $551 in favour of Bradfield. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Bradfield and Rossmore 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: Liverpool rates (OLG and Liverpool 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.