Canley Heights vs Wakeley: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Canley Heights and Wakeley are both Fairfield rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 26.5 km and 27.4 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $99 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 →Canley Heights
Wakeley
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Canley Heights | Wakeley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,030 | $1,030 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,989 | $6,088 | -$99 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,867 | $10,966 | -$99 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,278 | $7,278 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Canley Heights | Wakeley | 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 — Canley Heights vs Wakeley (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Canley Heights and Wakeley cost within $99 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,135, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $99 per year. Wakeley is 27.4 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, $7,278 and $7,278 a year, so the $99 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Canley Heights cumulative | Wakeley cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,867 | $10,966 | $99 |
| Year 3 | $33,589 | $33,895 | $306 |
| Year 5 | $57,694 | $58,220 | $526 |
| Year 10 | $124,578 | $125,713 | $1,135 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Canley Heights or Wakeley cheaper to live in?
Canley Heights is cheaper to run by car at $10,867 per year versus $10,966 for Wakeley, a difference of $99 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Canley Heights and Wakeley?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,030 in Canley Heights (Fairfield rates (OLG) and $1,030 in Wakeley (Fairfield rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Canley Heights and $1,548 in Wakeley. 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 Wakeley?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,989 from Canley Heights and $6,088 from Wakeley to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Canley Heights and $2,400 from Wakeley.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Canley Heights and Wakeley?
At 3% annual cost growth, Canley Heights costs a cumulative $124,578 and Wakeley costs $125,713 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,135 in favour of Canley Heights. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Canley Heights and Wakeley 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: Fairfield rates (OLG and Fairfield 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.