Carrington vs North Arm Cove: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Carrington (Mid-Coast rates (OLG) and North Arm Cove (Port Stephens rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (153.9 km and 155.7 km).
The two sit within $117 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 →Carrington
North Arm Cove
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Carrington | North Arm Cove | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,609 | $1,415 | +$194 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,377 | -$77 |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,850 | $2,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $23,359 | $23,242 | +$117 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,159 | $8,042 | +$117 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Carrington | North Arm Cove | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,148 | $2,148 | - |
| Unit | $1,716 | $1,716 | - |
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 — Carrington vs North Arm Cove (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Carrington and North Arm Cove cost within $117 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,342, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $194 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,159 and $8,042 a year, so the $117 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Carrington cumulative | North Arm Cove cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $23,359 | $23,242 | $117 |
| Year 3 | $72,200 | $71,839 | $361 |
| Year 5 | $124,016 | $123,395 | $621 |
| Year 10 | $267,785 | $266,443 | $1,342 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carrington or North Arm Cove cheaper to live in?
North Arm Cove is cheaper to run by car at $23,242 per year versus $23,359 for Carrington, a difference of $117 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Carrington and North Arm Cove?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,609 in Carrington (Mid-Coast rates (OLG) and $1,415 in North Arm Cove (Port Stephens rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Carrington and $1,377 in North Arm Cove. 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 Carrington and North Arm Cove?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Carrington and $17,600 from North Arm Cove to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Carrington and $2,400 from North Arm Cove.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Carrington and North Arm Cove?
At 3% annual cost growth, Carrington costs a cumulative $267,785 and North Arm Cove costs $266,443 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,342 in favour of North Arm Cove. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Carrington and North Arm Cove 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: Mid-Coast rates (OLG and Port Stephens 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.