Hinton vs Osterley: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Hinton and Osterley are both Port Stephens rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 134 km and 134.8 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $0 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.
Hinton
Osterley
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Hinton | Osterley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,415 | $1,415 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,377 | $1,377 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $23,492 | $23,492 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $8,292 | $8,292 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Hinton | Osterley | 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 — Hinton vs Osterley (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Hinton and Osterley cost within $0 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $0, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $0 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,292 and $8,292 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Hinton cumulative | Osterley cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $23,492 | $23,492 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $72,611 | $72,611 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $124,722 | $124,722 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $269,309 | $269,309 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hinton or Osterley cheaper to live in?
Hinton is cheaper to run by car at $23,492 per year versus $23,492 for Osterley, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Hinton and Osterley?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,415 in Hinton (Port Stephens rates (OLG) and $1,415 in Osterley (Port Stephens rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,377 in Hinton and $1,377 in Osterley. 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 Hinton and Osterley?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Hinton and $17,600 from Osterley to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Hinton and $2,400 from Osterley.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Hinton and Osterley?
At 3% annual cost growth, Hinton costs a cumulative $269,309 and Osterley costs $269,309 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Hinton. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Hinton and Osterley 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.
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Sources: Port Stephens rates (OLG and Port Stephens 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.