Tacoma vs Tacoma South: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Tacoma and Tacoma South are both Central Coast rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 68.2 km and 67.6 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $142 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 →Tacoma
Tacoma South
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Tacoma | Tacoma South | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,454 | $1,454 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,399 | $3,541 | -$142 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,500 | $3,500 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,653 | $9,795 | -$142 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,654 | $8,654 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Tacoma | Tacoma South | 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 — Tacoma vs Tacoma South (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Tacoma and Tacoma South cost within $142 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,628, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $142 per year. Tacoma is 68.2 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, $8,654 and $8,654 a year, so the $142 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Tacoma cumulative | Tacoma South cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,653 | $9,795 | $142 |
| Year 3 | $29,836 | $30,275 | $439 |
| Year 5 | $51,249 | $52,003 | $754 |
| Year 10 | $110,661 | $112,289 | $1,628 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tacoma or Tacoma South cheaper to live in?
Tacoma is cheaper to run by car at $9,653 per year versus $9,795 for Tacoma South, a difference of $142 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Tacoma and Tacoma South?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,454 in Tacoma (Central Coast rates (OLG) and $1,454 in Tacoma South (Central Coast rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Tacoma and $1,300 in Tacoma South. 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 Tacoma and Tacoma South?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,399 from Tacoma and $3,541 from Tacoma South to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Tacoma and $2,400 from Tacoma South.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Tacoma and Tacoma South?
At 3% annual cost growth, Tacoma costs a cumulative $110,661 and Tacoma South costs $112,289 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,628 in favour of Tacoma. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Tacoma and Tacoma South 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: Central Coast rates (OLG and Central Coast 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.