Meadowbank vs Rhodes: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Meadowbank (Ryde rates (OLG) and Rhodes (Canada Bay rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (12.5 km and 11.9 km).
The two sit within $151 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 →Meadowbank
Rhodes
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Meadowbank | Rhodes | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,278 | $1,268 | +$10 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,564 | $3,423 | +$141 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,386 | $2,386 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,600 | -$300 |
| Total (driving) | $9,340 | $9,189 | +$151 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,162 | $8,152 | +$10 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Meadowbank | Rhodes | 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 — Meadowbank vs Rhodes (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Meadowbank and Rhodes cost within $151 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,731, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $141 per year. Meadowbank is 12.5 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, $8,162 and $8,152 a year, so the $151 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Meadowbank cumulative | Rhodes cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,340 | $9,189 | $151 |
| Year 3 | $28,869 | $28,402 | $467 |
| Year 5 | $49,587 | $48,786 | $801 |
| Year 10 | $107,073 | $105,342 | $1,731 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Meadowbank or Rhodes cheaper to live in?
Rhodes is cheaper to run by car at $9,189 per year versus $9,340 for Meadowbank, a difference of $151 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Meadowbank and Rhodes?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,278 in Meadowbank (Ryde rates (OLG) and $1,268 in Rhodes (Canada Bay rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Meadowbank and $1,548 in Rhodes. 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 Meadowbank and Rhodes?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,564 from Meadowbank and $3,423 from Rhodes to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,386 from Meadowbank and $2,386 from Rhodes.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Meadowbank and Rhodes?
At 3% annual cost growth, Meadowbank costs a cumulative $107,073 and Rhodes costs $105,342 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,731 in favour of Rhodes. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Meadowbank and Rhodes 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: Ryde rates (OLG and Canada Bay 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.