Holroyd vs Parramatta: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Holroyd (Cumberland rates (OLG) and Parramatta (Parramatta rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (19.9 km and 19.2 km).
The two sit within $48 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 →Holroyd
Parramatta
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Holroyd | Parramatta | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,083 | $1,156 | -$73 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,052 | $4,931 | +$121 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,386 | $2,386 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,983 | $9,935 | +$48 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,317 | $7,390 | -$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 | Holroyd | Parramatta | 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 — Holroyd vs Parramatta (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Holroyd and Parramatta cost within $48 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $550, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $121 per year. Holroyd is 19.9 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, $7,317 and $7,390 a year, so the $48 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Holroyd cumulative | Parramatta cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,983 | $9,935 | $48 |
| Year 3 | $30,856 | $30,708 | $148 |
| Year 5 | $53,001 | $52,746 | $255 |
| Year 10 | $114,444 | $113,894 | $550 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Holroyd or Parramatta cheaper to live in?
Parramatta is cheaper to run by car at $9,935 per year versus $9,983 for Holroyd, a difference of $48 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Holroyd and Parramatta?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,083 in Holroyd (Cumberland rates (OLG) and $1,156 in Parramatta (Parramatta rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Holroyd and $1,548 in Parramatta. 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 Holroyd and Parramatta?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,052 from Holroyd and $4,931 from Parramatta to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,386 from Holroyd and $2,386 from Parramatta.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Holroyd and Parramatta?
At 3% annual cost growth, Holroyd costs a cumulative $114,444 and Parramatta costs $113,894 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $550 in favour of Parramatta. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Holroyd and Parramatta 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.