Earlwood vs Turrella: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Earlwood (Canterbury-Bankstown rates (OLG) and Turrella (Bayside rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (9.8 km and 9.3 km).
The two sit within $241 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 →Earlwood
Turrella
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Earlwood | Turrella | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,377 | $1,265 | +$112 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,906 | $2,777 | +$129 |
| Commute (public transport) | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,781 | $8,540 | +$241 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,795 | $7,683 | +$112 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Earlwood | Turrella | 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 — Earlwood vs Turrella (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Earlwood and Turrella cost within $241 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,762, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $129 per year. Earlwood is 9.8 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, $7,795 and $7,683 a year, so the $241 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Earlwood cumulative | Turrella cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,781 | $8,540 | $241 |
| Year 3 | $27,141 | $26,396 | $745 |
| Year 5 | $46,620 | $45,340 | $1,280 |
| Year 10 | $100,664 | $97,902 | $2,762 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Earlwood or Turrella cheaper to live in?
Turrella is cheaper to run by car at $8,540 per year versus $8,781 for Earlwood, a difference of $241 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Earlwood and Turrella?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,377 in Earlwood (Canterbury-Bankstown rates (OLG) and $1,265 in Turrella (Bayside rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Earlwood and $1,548 in Turrella. 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 Earlwood and Turrella?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,906 from Earlwood and $2,777 from Turrella to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $1,920 from Earlwood and $1,920 from Turrella.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Earlwood and Turrella?
At 3% annual cost growth, Earlwood costs a cumulative $100,664 and Turrella costs $97,902 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,762 in favour of Turrella. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Earlwood and Turrella 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: Canterbury-Bankstown rates (OLG and Bayside 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.