Canley Heights vs Fairfield Heights, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Canley Heights and Fairfield Heights are both Fairfield rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 26.5 km and 25 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $187 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, Fairfield Heights costs about $2,100 less to run than Canley Heights. That's about $4 a week.
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Fairfield Heights
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Canley Heights | Fairfield Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,030 | $1,030 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $6,193 | $6,006 | +$187 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,950 | $1,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,721 | $10,534 | +$187 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,928 | $6,928 | - |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Canley Heights | Fairfield Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,720 | $2,720 | - |
| Unit | $2,209 | $2,209 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown, Canley Heights vs Fairfield Heights (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Canley Heights and Fairfield Heights cost within $187 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,143, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $187 per year. Canley Heights is 26.5 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,928 and $6,928 a year, so the $187 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,030 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Fairfield Heights by $187 a year, $6,006 against $6,193.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,950 a year.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Canley Heights cumulative | Fairfield Heights cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,721 | $10,534 | $187 |
| Year 3 | $33,138 | $32,560 | $578 |
| Year 5 | $56,919 | $55,926 | $993 |
| Year 10 | $122,904 | $120,761 | $2,143 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Canley Heights or Fairfield Heights cheaper to live in?
Fairfield Heights is cheaper to run by car at $10,534 per year versus $10,721 for Canley Heights, a difference of $187 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Canley Heights and Fairfield Heights?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,030 in Canley Heights (Fairfield rates (OLG) and $1,030 in Fairfield Heights (Fairfield rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Canley Heights and $1,548 in Fairfield Heights. 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 Canley Heights and Fairfield Heights?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,193 from Canley Heights and $6,006 from Fairfield Heights to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Canley Heights and $2,400 from Fairfield Heights.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Canley Heights and Fairfield Heights?
At 3% annual cost growth, Canley Heights costs a cumulative $122,904 and Fairfield Heights costs $120,761 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,143 in favour of Fairfield Heights. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Canley Heights and Fairfield Heights suits you better?
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Related comparisons
Sources: Fairfield rates (OLG and Fairfield rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.