Girraween vs Pendle Hill: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Girraween (Cumberland rates (OLG) and Pendle Hill (Parramatta rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (25.5 km and 24.3 km).
The two sit within $80 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 →Girraween
Pendle Hill
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Girraween | Pendle Hill | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,083 | $1,156 | -$73 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,870 | $5,717 | +$153 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,300 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $10,351 | $10,271 | +$80 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,881 | $6,954 | -$73 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Girraween | Pendle Hill | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,420 | $2,420 | - |
| Unit | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
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 — Girraween vs Pendle Hill (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Girraween and Pendle Hill cost within $80 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $917, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $153 per year. Girraween is 25.5 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, $6,881 and $6,954 a year, so the $80 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Girraween cumulative | Pendle Hill cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,351 | $10,271 | $80 |
| Year 3 | $31,994 | $31,747 | $247 |
| Year 5 | $54,955 | $54,530 | $425 |
| Year 10 | $118,663 | $117,746 | $917 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Girraween or Pendle Hill cheaper to live in?
Pendle Hill is cheaper to run by car at $10,271 per year versus $10,351 for Girraween, a difference of $80 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Girraween and Pendle Hill?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,083 in Girraween (Cumberland rates (OLG) and $1,156 in Pendle Hill (Parramatta rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Girraween and $1,548 in Pendle Hill. 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 Girraween and Pendle Hill?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,870 from Girraween and $5,717 from Pendle Hill to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Girraween and $2,400 from Pendle Hill.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Girraween and Pendle Hill?
At 3% annual cost growth, Girraween costs a cumulative $118,663 and Pendle Hill costs $117,746 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $917 in favour of Pendle Hill. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Girraween and Pendle Hill 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: Cumberland rates (OLG and Parramatta 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.