Bullaburra vs Hazelbrook: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Bullaburra and Hazelbrook are both Blue Mountains rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 74.4 km and 70.7 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $157 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 →Bullaburra
Hazelbrook
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Bullaburra | Hazelbrook | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $2,157 | $2,157 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,143 | $2,986 | +$157 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,248 | $9,091 | +$157 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,505 | $8,505 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Bullaburra | Hazelbrook | 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 — Bullaburra vs Hazelbrook (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Bullaburra and Hazelbrook cost within $157 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,800, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $157 per year. Bullaburra is 74.4 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, $8,505 and $8,505 a year, so the $157 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Bullaburra cumulative | Hazelbrook cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,248 | $9,091 | $157 |
| Year 3 | $28,585 | $28,099 | $486 |
| Year 5 | $49,099 | $48,265 | $834 |
| Year 10 | $106,018 | $104,218 | $1,800 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bullaburra or Hazelbrook cheaper to live in?
Hazelbrook is cheaper to run by car at $9,091 per year versus $9,248 for Bullaburra, a difference of $157 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Bullaburra and Hazelbrook?
Annual council rates for a house are $2,157 in Bullaburra (Blue Mountains rates (OLG) and $2,157 in Hazelbrook (Blue Mountains rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Bullaburra and $1,548 in Hazelbrook. 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 Bullaburra and Hazelbrook?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,143 from Bullaburra and $2,986 from Hazelbrook to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Bullaburra and $2,400 from Hazelbrook.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Bullaburra and Hazelbrook?
At 3% annual cost growth, Bullaburra costs a cumulative $106,018 and Hazelbrook costs $104,218 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,800 in favour of Hazelbrook. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Bullaburra and Hazelbrook 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: Blue Mountains rates (OLG and Blue Mountains 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.