Galston vs Hornsby Heights: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Galston and Hornsby Heights are both Hornsby rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 28.4 km and 25.8 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $283 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 →Galston
Hornsby Heights
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Galston | Hornsby Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,541 | $1,541 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,190 | $5,907 | +$283 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,550 | $2,550 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,829 | $11,546 | +$283 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,039 | $8,039 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Galston | Hornsby Heights | 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 — Galston vs Hornsby Heights (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Galston and Hornsby Heights cost within $283 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,244, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $283 per year. Galston is 28.4 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, $8,039 and $8,039 a year, so the $283 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Galston cumulative | Hornsby Heights cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,829 | $11,546 | $283 |
| Year 3 | $36,562 | $35,688 | $874 |
| Year 5 | $62,802 | $61,299 | $1,503 |
| Year 10 | $135,606 | $132,362 | $3,244 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Galston or Hornsby Heights cheaper to live in?
Hornsby Heights is cheaper to run by car at $11,546 per year versus $11,829 for Galston, a difference of $283 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Galston and Hornsby Heights?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,541 in Galston (Hornsby rates (OLG) and $1,541 in Hornsby Heights (Hornsby rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Galston and $1,548 in Hornsby Heights. 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 Galston and Hornsby Heights?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,190 from Galston and $5,907 from Hornsby Heights to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Galston and $2,400 from Hornsby Heights.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Galston and Hornsby Heights?
At 3% annual cost growth, Galston costs a cumulative $135,606 and Hornsby Heights costs $132,362 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,244 in favour of Hornsby Heights. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Galston and Hornsby Heights 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: Hornsby rates (OLG and Hornsby 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.