Corlette vs Soldiers Point, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Corlette and Soldiers Point are both Port Stephens rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 38.4 km and 36.1 km from Newcastle CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $56 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.
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Soldiers Point
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Corlette | Soldiers Point | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,415 | $1,415 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,377 | $1,377 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $6,978 | $6,922 | +$56 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,250 | $1,250 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,020 | $10,964 | +$56 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,442 | $6,442 | - |
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 | Corlette | Soldiers Point | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,342 | $2,342 | - |
| Unit | $1,909 | $1,909 | - |
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, Corlette vs Soldiers Point (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Corlette and Soldiers Point cost within $56 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $642, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $56 per year. Corlette is 38.4 km from Newcastle CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,442 and $6,442 a year, so the $56 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,415 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,377 a year.
- Driving commute favours Soldiers Point by $56 a year, $6,922 against $6,978.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,250 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 | Corlette cumulative | Soldiers Point cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,020 | $10,964 | $56 |
| Year 3 | $34,062 | $33,889 | $173 |
| Year 5 | $58,507 | $58,209 | $298 |
| Year 10 | $126,332 | $125,690 | $642 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Corlette or Soldiers Point cheaper to live in?
Soldiers Point is cheaper to run by car at $10,964 per year versus $11,020 for Corlette, a difference of $56 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Corlette and Soldiers Point?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,415 in Corlette (Port Stephens rates (OLG) and $1,415 in Soldiers Point (Port Stephens rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,377 in Corlette and $1,377 in Soldiers Point. 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 Corlette and Soldiers Point?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,978 from Corlette and $6,922 from Soldiers Point to Newcastle CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Corlette and $2,400 from Soldiers Point.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Corlette and Soldiers Point?
At 3% annual cost growth, Corlette costs a cumulative $126,332 and Soldiers Point costs $125,690 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $642 in favour of Soldiers Point. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Corlette and Soldiers Point suits you better?
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Sources: Port Stephens rates (OLG and Port Stephens 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.