Glenfield vs Macquarie Links: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Glenfield and Macquarie Links are both Campbelltown rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 31.7 km and 32.9 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $81 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 →Glenfield
Macquarie Links
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Glenfield | Macquarie Links | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,497 | $1,497 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,687 | $6,768 | -$81 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,332 | $12,413 | -$81 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,045 | $8,045 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Glenfield | Macquarie Links | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,720 | $2,720 | - |
| Unit | $2,209 | $2,209 | - |
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 — Glenfield vs Macquarie Links (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Glenfield and Macquarie Links cost within $81 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $928, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $81 per year. Macquarie Links is 32.9 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, $8,045 and $8,045 a year, so the $81 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,497 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Glenfield by $81 a year, $6,687 against $6,768.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,600 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 | Glenfield cumulative | Macquarie Links cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,332 | $12,413 | $81 |
| Year 3 | $38,117 | $38,367 | $250 |
| Year 5 | $65,472 | $65,902 | $430 |
| Year 10 | $141,373 | $142,301 | $928 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Glenfield or Macquarie Links cheaper to live in?
Glenfield is cheaper to run by car at $12,332 per year versus $12,413 for Macquarie Links, a difference of $81 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Glenfield and Macquarie Links?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,497 in Glenfield (Campbelltown rates (OLG) and $1,497 in Macquarie Links (Campbelltown rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Glenfield and $1,548 in Macquarie Links. 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 Glenfield and Macquarie Links?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,687 from Glenfield and $6,768 from Macquarie Links to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Glenfield and $2,400 from Macquarie Links.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Glenfield and Macquarie Links?
At 3% annual cost growth, Glenfield costs a cumulative $141,373 and Macquarie Links costs $142,301 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $928 in favour of Glenfield. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Glenfield and Macquarie Links 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: Campbelltown rates (OLG and Campbelltown rates (OLG 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.