Jolly Nose vs North Haven: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Jolly Nose and North Haven are both Port Macquarie-Hastings rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 22.5 km and 24.3 km from Port Macquarie CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $261 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 →Jolly Nose
North Haven
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Jolly Nose | North Haven | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,370 | $1,370 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,651 | $5,912 | -$261 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,500 | $3,500 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,821 | $12,082 | -$261 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,570 | $8,570 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Jolly Nose | North Haven | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,827 | $2,827 | - |
| Unit | $2,369 | $2,369 | - |
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 — Jolly Nose vs North Haven (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Jolly Nose and North Haven cost within $261 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,992, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $261 per year. North Haven is 24.3 km from Port Macquarie CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,570 and $8,570 a year, so the $261 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,370 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute favours Jolly Nose by $261 a year, $5,651 against $5,912.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,500 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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Jolly Nose cumulative | North Haven cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,821 | $12,082 | $261 |
| Year 3 | $36,538 | $37,344 | $806 |
| Year 5 | $62,759 | $64,145 | $1,386 |
| Year 10 | $135,515 | $138,507 | $2,992 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jolly Nose or North Haven cheaper to live in?
Jolly Nose is cheaper to run by car at $11,821 per year versus $12,082 for North Haven, a difference of $261 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Jolly Nose and North Haven?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,370 in Jolly Nose (Port Macquarie-Hastings rates (OLG) and $1,370 in North Haven (Port Macquarie-Hastings rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Jolly Nose and $1,300 in North Haven. 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 Jolly Nose and North Haven?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,651 from Jolly Nose and $5,912 from North Haven to Port Macquarie CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Jolly Nose and $2,400 from North Haven.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Jolly Nose and North Haven?
At 3% annual cost growth, Jolly Nose costs a cumulative $135,515 and North Haven costs $138,507 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,992 in favour of Jolly Nose. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Jolly Nose and North Haven 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: Port Macquarie-Hastings rates (OLG and Port Macquarie-Hastings 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.