North Rocks vs Northmead: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
North Rocks and Northmead are both Parramatta rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 21 km and 21.8 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $275 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 →North Rocks
Northmead
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | North Rocks | Northmead | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,156 | $1,156 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,234 | $5,359 | -$125 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,150 | $2,300 | -$150 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,088 | $10,363 | -$275 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,254 | $7,404 | -$150 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | North Rocks | Northmead | 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 — North Rocks vs Northmead (2026-27)
What the numbers show
North Rocks and Northmead cost within $275 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,152, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $150 per year. Northmead carries medium flood risk, which pushes estimated premiums higher.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,254 and $7,404 a year, so the $275 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | North Rocks cumulative | Northmead cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,088 | $10,363 | $275 |
| Year 3 | $31,181 | $32,031 | $850 |
| Year 5 | $53,559 | $55,019 | $1,460 |
| Year 10 | $115,648 | $118,800 | $3,152 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is North Rocks or Northmead cheaper to live in?
North Rocks is cheaper to run by car at $10,088 per year versus $10,363 for Northmead, a difference of $275 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in North Rocks and Northmead?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,156 in North Rocks (Parramatta rates (OLG) and $1,156 in Northmead (Parramatta rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in North Rocks and $1,548 in Northmead. 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 North Rocks and Northmead?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,234 from North Rocks and $5,359 from Northmead to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from North Rocks and $2,400 from Northmead.
What is the 10-year cost difference between North Rocks and Northmead?
At 3% annual cost growth, North Rocks costs a cumulative $115,648 and Northmead costs $118,800 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,152 in favour of North Rocks. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of North Rocks and Northmead 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: Parramatta rates (OLG and Parramatta 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.