Palona vs Uloola, true annual running costs compared 2026
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Palona and Uloola are both Sutherland rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 32.4 km and 32.3 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $6 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.
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Uloola
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Palona | Uloola | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates Official, 2026-27 | $1,617 | $1,617 | - |
| Water & sewerage Official, 2026-27 | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) Modelled, 2026-27 | $6,736 | $6,730 | +$6 |
| Commute (public transport) Modelled, 2026-27 | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance Estimated | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) Estimated | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,751 | $11,745 | +$6 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,415 | $7,415 | - |
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 | Palona | Uloola | 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, Palona vs Uloola (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Palona and Uloola cost within $6 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $69, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $6 per year. Palona is 32.4 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, $7,415 and $7,415 a year, so the $6 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,617 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Uloola by $6 a year, $6,730 against $6,736.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,850 a year.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. What separates them is commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Palona cumulative | Uloola cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,751 | $11,745 | $6 |
| Year 3 | $36,321 | $36,303 | $18 |
| Year 5 | $62,388 | $62,356 | $32 |
| Year 10 | $134,712 | $134,643 | $69 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Palona or Uloola cheaper to live in?
Uloola is cheaper to run by car at $11,745 per year versus $11,751 for Palona, a difference of $6 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Palona and Uloola?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,617 in Palona (Sutherland rates (OLG) and $1,617 in Uloola (Sutherland rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Palona and $1,548 in Uloola. 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 Palona and Uloola?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,736 from Palona and $6,730 from Uloola to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Palona and $2,400 from Uloola.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Palona and Uloola?
At 3% annual cost growth, Palona costs a cumulative $134,712 and Uloola costs $134,643 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $69 in favour of Uloola. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Palona and Uloola suits you better?
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Sources: Sutherland rates (OLG and Sutherland 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.