Cremorne Point vs Neutral Bay: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Cremorne Point and Neutral Bay are both North Sydney Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 23.3% in suburbs, sitting 3.5 km and 3.7 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $63 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 →Cremorne Point
Neutral Bay
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Cremorne Point | Neutral Bay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,327 | $1,327 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,170 | $1,233 | -$63 |
| Commute (public transport) | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,500 | $3,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $6,345 | $6,408 | -$63 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,095 | $7,095 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Cremorne Point | Neutral Bay | 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 — Cremorne Point vs Neutral Bay (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Cremorne Point and Neutral Bay cost within $63 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $723, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $63 per year. Neutral Bay is 3.7 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, $7,095 and $7,095 a year, so the $63 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,327 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Cremorne Point by $63 a year, $1,170 against $1,233.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,300 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 | Cremorne Point cumulative | Neutral Bay cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,345 | $6,408 | $63 |
| Year 3 | $19,612 | $19,806 | $194 |
| Year 5 | $33,686 | $34,021 | $335 |
| Year 10 | $72,738 | $73,461 | $723 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cremorne Point or Neutral Bay cheaper to live in?
Cremorne Point is cheaper to run by car at $6,345 per year versus $6,408 for Neutral Bay, a difference of $63 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Cremorne Point and Neutral Bay?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,327 in Cremorne Point (North Sydney Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 23.3% in) and $1,327 in Neutral Bay (North Sydney Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 23.3% in). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Cremorne Point and $1,548 in Neutral Bay. 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 Cremorne Point and Neutral Bay?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,170 from Cremorne Point and $1,233 from Neutral Bay to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $1,920 from Cremorne Point and $1,920 from Neutral Bay.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Cremorne Point and Neutral Bay?
At 3% annual cost growth, Cremorne Point costs a cumulative $72,738 and Neutral Bay costs $73,461 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $723 in favour of Cremorne Point. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Cremorne Point and Neutral Bay 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: North Sydney Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 23.3% in and North Sydney Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 23.3% in rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.