Kirribilli vs Milsons Point: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Kirribilli and Milsons Point are both North Sydney Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 23.3% in suburbs, sitting 2.4 km and 2.3 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $32 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 →Kirribilli
Milsons Point
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Kirribilli | Milsons Point | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,327 | $1,327 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $787 | $755 | +$32 |
| Commute (public transport) | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $3,500 | $3,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $6,612 | $6,580 | +$32 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,745 | $7,745 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Kirribilli | Milsons Point | 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 — Kirribilli vs Milsons Point (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Kirribilli and Milsons Point cost within $32 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $367, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $32 per year. Kirribilli is 2.4 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, $7,745 and $7,745 a year, so the $32 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Kirribilli cumulative | Milsons Point cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,612 | $6,580 | $32 |
| Year 3 | $20,437 | $20,338 | $99 |
| Year 5 | $35,104 | $34,934 | $170 |
| Year 10 | $75,799 | $75,432 | $367 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kirribilli or Milsons Point cheaper to live in?
Milsons Point is cheaper to run by car at $6,580 per year versus $6,612 for Kirribilli, a difference of $32 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Kirribilli and Milsons Point?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,327 in Kirribilli (North Sydney Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 23.3% in) and $1,327 in Milsons Point (North Sydney Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 23.3% in). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Kirribilli and $1,548 in Milsons Point. 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 Kirribilli and Milsons Point?
Annual driving commute costs are $787 from Kirribilli and $755 from Milsons Point to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $1,920 from Kirribilli and $1,920 from Milsons Point.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Kirribilli and Milsons Point?
At 3% annual cost growth, Kirribilli costs a cumulative $75,799 and Milsons Point costs $75,432 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $367 in favour of Milsons Point. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Kirribilli and Milsons Point 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: North Sydney Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 23.3% in and North Sydney Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 23.3% in 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.