Haberfield vs Rodd Point: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Haberfield (Inner West rates (OLG) and Rodd Point (Canada Bay rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (6.3 km and 5.9 km).
The two sit within $251 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 →Haberfield
Rodd Point
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Haberfield | Rodd Point | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,401 | $1,268 | +$133 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,028 | $1,910 | +$118 |
| Commute (public transport) | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $7,927 | $7,676 | +$251 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,819 | $7,686 | +$133 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Haberfield | Rodd Point | 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 — Haberfield vs Rodd Point (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Haberfield and Rodd Point cost within $251 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,877, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $133 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,819 and $7,686 a year, so the $251 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates favours Rodd Point by $133 a year, $1,268 against $1,401.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Rodd Point by $118 a year, $1,910 against $2,028.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,950 a year.
They sit in different council areas, so the rates line is set by two different councils. For NSW that figure is the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by that council's IPART rate peg.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Haberfield cumulative | Rodd Point cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,927 | $7,676 | $251 |
| Year 3 | $24,502 | $23,726 | $776 |
| Year 5 | $42,086 | $40,753 | $1,333 |
| Year 10 | $90,874 | $87,997 | $2,877 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Haberfield or Rodd Point cheaper to live in?
Rodd Point is cheaper to run by car at $7,676 per year versus $7,927 for Haberfield, a difference of $251 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Haberfield and Rodd Point?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,401 in Haberfield (Inner West rates (OLG) and $1,268 in Rodd Point (Canada Bay rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Haberfield and $1,548 in Rodd Point. 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 Haberfield and Rodd Point?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,028 from Haberfield and $1,910 from Rodd Point to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $1,920 from Haberfield and $1,920 from Rodd Point.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Haberfield and Rodd Point?
At 3% annual cost growth, Haberfield costs a cumulative $90,874 and Rodd Point costs $87,997 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,877 in favour of Rodd Point. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Haberfield and Rodd Point 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: Inner West rates (OLG and Canada Bay 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.