Coffs Harbour vs Port Macquarie: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Coffs Harbour (Coffs Harbour rates (OLG) and Port Macquarie (Port Macquarie-Hastings rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (436.9 km and 312.2 km).
The two sit within $120 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 →Coffs Harbour
Port Macquarie
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Coffs Harbour | Port Macquarie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,490 | $1,370 | +$120 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $23,490 | $23,370 | +$120 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,290 | $8,170 | +$120 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Coffs Harbour | Port Macquarie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,098 | $2,148 | -$50 |
| Unit | $1,679 | $1,716 | -$37 |
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 — Coffs Harbour vs Port Macquarie (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie cost within $120 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,376, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $120 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,290 and $8,170 a year, so the $120 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Coffs Harbour cumulative | Port Macquarie cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $23,490 | $23,370 | $120 |
| Year 3 | $72,605 | $72,234 | $371 |
| Year 5 | $124,712 | $124,075 | $637 |
| Year 10 | $269,287 | $267,911 | $1,376 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie cheaper to live in?
Port Macquarie is cheaper to run by car at $23,370 per year versus $23,490 for Coffs Harbour, a difference of $120 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,490 in Coffs Harbour (Coffs Harbour rates (OLG) and $1,370 in Port Macquarie (Port Macquarie-Hastings rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Coffs Harbour and $1,300 in Port Macquarie. 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 Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Coffs Harbour and $17,600 from Port Macquarie to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Coffs Harbour and $2,400 from Port Macquarie.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie?
At 3% annual cost growth, Coffs Harbour costs a cumulative $269,287 and Port Macquarie costs $267,911 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,376 in favour of Port Macquarie. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie 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: Coffs Harbour rates (OLG and Port Macquarie-Hastings 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.