Seahampton vs Stockrington: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Seahampton (Lake Macquarie rates (OLG) and Stockrington (Cessnock rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Newcastle CBD (19.7 km and 20.6 km).
The two sit within $149 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 →Seahampton
Stockrington
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Seahampton | Stockrington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,763 | $1,458 | +$305 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,377 | $1,377 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,189 | $5,345 | -$156 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,729 | $10,580 | +$149 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,940 | $7,635 | +$305 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Seahampton | Stockrington | 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 — Seahampton vs Stockrington (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Seahampton and Stockrington cost within $149 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,708, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $305 per year.
On public transport the gap is $305 per year, $7,940 from Seahampton versus $7,635 from Stockrington.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates favours Stockrington by $305 a year, $1,458 against $1,763.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,377 a year.
- Driving commute favours Seahampton by $156 a year, $5,189 against $5,345.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,400 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.
The catchment state school scores 6.5 in Stockrington against 4.8 in Seahampton, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Seahampton cumulative | Stockrington cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,729 | $10,580 | $149 |
| Year 3 | $33,162 | $32,702 | $460 |
| Year 5 | $56,962 | $56,171 | $791 |
| Year 10 | $122,996 | $121,288 | $1,708 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Seahampton or Stockrington cheaper to live in?
Stockrington is cheaper to run by car at $10,580 per year versus $10,729 for Seahampton, a difference of $149 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Seahampton and Stockrington?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,763 in Seahampton (Lake Macquarie rates (OLG) and $1,458 in Stockrington (Cessnock rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,377 in Seahampton and $1,377 in Stockrington. 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 Seahampton and Stockrington?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,189 from Seahampton and $5,345 from Stockrington to Newcastle CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Seahampton and $2,400 from Stockrington.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Seahampton and Stockrington?
At 3% annual cost growth, Seahampton costs a cumulative $122,996 and Stockrington costs $121,288 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,708 in favour of Stockrington. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Seahampton and Stockrington 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: Lake Macquarie rates (OLG and Cessnock rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.