Kangaroo Point vs Oyster Bay: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Kangaroo Point and Oyster Bay are both Sutherland rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 18.2 km and 19.7 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $267 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 →Kangaroo Point
Oyster Bay
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kangaroo Point | Oyster Bay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,617 | $1,617 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,751 | $5,018 | -$267 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,386 | $2,386 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,866 | $11,133 | -$267 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,501 | $8,501 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Kangaroo Point | Oyster Bay | 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 — Kangaroo Point vs Oyster Bay (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kangaroo Point and Oyster Bay cost within $267 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,060, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $267 per year. Oyster Bay is 19.7 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, $8,501 and $8,501 a year, so the $267 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kangaroo Point cumulative | Oyster Bay cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,866 | $11,133 | $267 |
| Year 3 | $33,586 | $34,411 | $825 |
| Year 5 | $57,689 | $59,107 | $1,418 |
| Year 10 | $124,567 | $127,627 | $3,060 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kangaroo Point or Oyster Bay cheaper to live in?
Kangaroo Point is cheaper to run by car at $10,866 per year versus $11,133 for Oyster Bay, a difference of $267 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kangaroo Point and Oyster Bay?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,617 in Kangaroo Point (Sutherland rates (OLG) and $1,617 in Oyster Bay (Sutherland rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Kangaroo Point and $1,548 in Oyster Bay. 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 Kangaroo Point and Oyster Bay?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,751 from Kangaroo Point and $5,018 from Oyster Bay to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,386 from Kangaroo Point and $2,386 from Oyster Bay.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kangaroo Point and Oyster Bay?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kangaroo Point costs a cumulative $124,567 and Oyster Bay costs $127,627 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,060 in favour of Kangaroo Point. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kangaroo Point and Oyster Bay 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: Sutherland rates (OLG and Sutherland 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.