Maianbar vs Port Hacking: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Maianbar and Port Hacking are both Sutherland rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 24.5 km and 23.4 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $150 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 →Maianbar
Port Hacking
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Maianbar | Port Hacking | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,617 | $1,617 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,744 | $5,594 | +$150 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,859 | $11,709 | +$150 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,515 | $8,515 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Maianbar | Port Hacking | 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 — Maianbar vs Port Hacking (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Maianbar and Port Hacking cost within $150 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,719, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $150 per year. Maianbar is 24.5 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, $8,515 and $8,515 a year, so the $150 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Maianbar cumulative | Port Hacking cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,859 | $11,709 | $150 |
| Year 3 | $36,655 | $36,191 | $464 |
| Year 5 | $62,961 | $62,165 | $796 |
| Year 10 | $135,950 | $134,231 | $1,719 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Maianbar or Port Hacking cheaper to live in?
Port Hacking is cheaper to run by car at $11,709 per year versus $11,859 for Maianbar, a difference of $150 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Maianbar and Port Hacking?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,617 in Maianbar (Sutherland rates (OLG) and $1,617 in Port Hacking (Sutherland rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Maianbar and $1,548 in Port Hacking. 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 Maianbar and Port Hacking?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,744 from Maianbar and $5,594 from Port Hacking to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Maianbar and $2,400 from Port Hacking.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Maianbar and Port Hacking?
At 3% annual cost growth, Maianbar costs a cumulative $135,950 and Port Hacking costs $134,231 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,719 in favour of Port Hacking. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Maianbar and Port Hacking 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: 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.