Macquarie Fields vs Macquarie Links: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Macquarie Fields and Macquarie Links are both Campbelltown rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 31.7 km and 32.9 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $78 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 →Macquarie Fields
Macquarie Links
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Macquarie Fields | Macquarie Links | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,497 | $1,497 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,467 | $6,545 | -$78 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,112 | $12,190 | -$78 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,045 | $8,045 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Macquarie Fields | Macquarie Links | 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 — Macquarie Fields vs Macquarie Links (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Macquarie Fields and Macquarie Links cost within $78 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $894, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $78 per year. Macquarie Links is 32.9 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, $8,045 and $8,045 a year, so the $78 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Macquarie Fields cumulative | Macquarie Links cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,112 | $12,190 | $78 |
| Year 3 | $37,437 | $37,678 | $241 |
| Year 5 | $64,304 | $64,718 | $414 |
| Year 10 | $138,851 | $139,745 | $894 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Macquarie Fields or Macquarie Links cheaper to live in?
Macquarie Fields is cheaper to run by car at $12,112 per year versus $12,190 for Macquarie Links, a difference of $78 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Macquarie Fields and Macquarie Links?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,497 in Macquarie Fields (Campbelltown rates (OLG) and $1,497 in Macquarie Links (Campbelltown rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Macquarie Fields and $1,548 in Macquarie Links. 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 Macquarie Fields and Macquarie Links?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,467 from Macquarie Fields and $6,545 from Macquarie Links to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Macquarie Fields and $2,400 from Macquarie Links.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Macquarie Fields and Macquarie Links?
At 3% annual cost growth, Macquarie Fields costs a cumulative $138,851 and Macquarie Links costs $139,745 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $894 in favour of Macquarie Fields. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Macquarie Fields and Macquarie Links 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: Campbelltown rates (OLG and Campbelltown 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.