Homebush vs North Strathfield: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Homebush (Strathfield rates (OLG) and North Strathfield (Canada Bay rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (12 km and 11.1 km).
The two sit within $258 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 →Homebush
North Strathfield
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Homebush | North Strathfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,309 | $1,268 | +$41 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,447 | $3,230 | +$217 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,386 | $2,386 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,600 | -$300 |
| Total (driving) | $9,254 | $8,996 | +$258 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,193 | $8,152 | +$41 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Homebush | North Strathfield | 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 — Homebush vs North Strathfield (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Homebush and North Strathfield cost within $258 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,958, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $217 per year. Homebush is 12 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, $8,193 and $8,152 a year, so the $258 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Homebush cumulative | North Strathfield cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,254 | $8,996 | $258 |
| Year 3 | $28,603 | $27,806 | $797 |
| Year 5 | $49,131 | $47,761 | $1,370 |
| Year 10 | $106,087 | $103,129 | $2,958 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Homebush or North Strathfield cheaper to live in?
North Strathfield is cheaper to run by car at $8,996 per year versus $9,254 for Homebush, a difference of $258 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Homebush and North Strathfield?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,309 in Homebush (Strathfield rates (OLG) and $1,268 in North Strathfield (Canada Bay rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Homebush and $1,548 in North Strathfield. 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 Homebush and North Strathfield?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,447 from Homebush and $3,230 from North Strathfield to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,386 from Homebush and $2,386 from North Strathfield.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Homebush and North Strathfield?
At 3% annual cost growth, Homebush costs a cumulative $106,087 and North Strathfield costs $103,129 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,958 in favour of North Strathfield. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Homebush and North Strathfield 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: Strathfield rates (OLG and Canada Bay 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.