North Strathfield vs Strathfield, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
North Strathfield (Canada Bay rates (OLG) and Strathfield (Strathfield rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (11.1 km and 11.9 km).
The two sit within $241 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, North Strathfield costs about $2,800 less to run than Strathfield. That's about $5 a week.
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Strathfield
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | North Strathfield | Strathfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,268 | $1,309 | -$41 |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $3,340 | $3,540 | -$200 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $2,386 | $2,386 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,006 | $8,247 | -$241 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,052 | $7,093 | -$41 |
Totals exclude electricity, estimated separately below. Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance estimated from ACCC premium rates; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | North Strathfield | Strathfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,342 | $2,342 | - |
| Unit | $1,909 | $1,909 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; 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 Strathfield vs Strathfield (2026-27)
What the numbers show
North Strathfield and Strathfield cost within $241 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,763, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $200 per year. Strathfield is 11.9 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,052 and $7,093 a year, so the $241 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates favours North Strathfield by $41 a year, $1,268 against $1,309.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours North Strathfield by $200 a year, $3,340 against $3,540.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,850 a year.
They sit in different council areas, so the rates line is set by two different councils. For NSW that figure is the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by that council's IPART rate peg.
Flood risk is rated high in North Strathfield against medium in Strathfield, which feeds the insurance estimate.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | North Strathfield cumulative | Strathfield cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,006 | $8,247 | $241 |
| Year 3 | $24,746 | $25,491 | $745 |
| Year 5 | $42,505 | $43,784 | $1,279 |
| Year 10 | $91,780 | $94,543 | $2,763 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is North Strathfield or Strathfield cheaper to live in?
North Strathfield is cheaper to run by car at $8,006 per year versus $8,247 for Strathfield, a difference of $241 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in North Strathfield and Strathfield?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,268 in North Strathfield (Canada Bay rates (OLG) and $1,309 in Strathfield (Strathfield rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in North Strathfield and $1,548 in Strathfield. 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 Strathfield and Strathfield?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,340 from North Strathfield and $3,540 from Strathfield to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,386 from North Strathfield and $2,386 from Strathfield.
What is the 10-year cost difference between North Strathfield and Strathfield?
At 3% annual cost growth, North Strathfield costs a cumulative $91,780 and Strathfield costs $94,543 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,763 in favour of North Strathfield. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of North Strathfield and Strathfield suits you better?
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Sources: Canada Bay rates (OLG and Strathfield rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost insurance estimates from ACCC premium rates. Data updated July 2026.