Goarra vs Uloola: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Goarra and Uloola are both Sutherland rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 29 km and 32.3 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $270 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 →Goarra
Uloola
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Goarra | Uloola | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,617 | $1,617 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,460 | $6,730 | -$270 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,550 | $2,550 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,175 | $12,445 | -$270 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,115 | $8,115 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Goarra | Uloola | 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 — Goarra vs Uloola (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Goarra and Uloola cost within $270 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,095, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $270 per year. Uloola is 32.3 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, $8,115 and $8,115 a year, so the $270 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,617 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Goarra by $270 a year, $6,460 against $6,730.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,550 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.
The catchment state school scores 7.8 in Goarra against 6.8 in Uloola, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Goarra cumulative | Uloola cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,175 | $12,445 | $270 |
| Year 3 | $37,632 | $38,466 | $834 |
| Year 5 | $64,639 | $66,072 | $1,433 |
| Year 10 | $139,573 | $142,668 | $3,095 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Goarra or Uloola cheaper to live in?
Goarra is cheaper to run by car at $12,175 per year versus $12,445 for Uloola, a difference of $270 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Goarra and Uloola?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,617 in Goarra (Sutherland rates (OLG) and $1,617 in Uloola (Sutherland rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Goarra and $1,548 in Uloola. 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 Goarra and Uloola?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,460 from Goarra and $6,730 from Uloola to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Goarra and $2,400 from Uloola.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Goarra and Uloola?
At 3% annual cost growth, Goarra costs a cumulative $139,573 and Uloola costs $142,668 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,095 in favour of Goarra. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Goarra and Uloola 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: Sutherland rates (OLG and Sutherland 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.