Tempe vs Wolli Creek: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Tempe (Inner West rates (OLG) and Wolli Creek (Bayside rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (8 km and 8.5 km).
The two sit within $3 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.
Tempe
Wolli Creek
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Tempe | Wolli Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,401 | $1,265 | +$136 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,516 | $2,655 | -$139 |
| Commute (public transport) | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,415 | $8,418 | -$3 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,819 | $7,683 | +$136 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Tempe | Wolli Creek | 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 — Tempe vs Wolli Creek (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Tempe and Wolli Creek cost within $3 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $34, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $139 per year. Wolli Creek is 8.5 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, $7,819 and $7,683 a year, so the $3 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates favours Wolli Creek by $136 a year, $1,265 against $1,401.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Tempe by $139 a year, $2,516 against $2,655.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,950 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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Tempe cumulative | Wolli Creek cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,415 | $8,418 | $3 |
| Year 3 | $26,010 | $26,019 | $9 |
| Year 5 | $44,676 | $44,692 | $16 |
| Year 10 | $96,469 | $96,503 | $34 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe or Wolli Creek cheaper to live in?
Tempe is cheaper to run by car at $8,415 per year versus $8,418 for Wolli Creek, a difference of $3 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Tempe and Wolli Creek?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,401 in Tempe (Inner West rates (OLG) and $1,265 in Wolli Creek (Bayside rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Tempe and $1,548 in Wolli Creek. 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 Tempe and Wolli Creek?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,516 from Tempe and $2,655 from Wolli Creek to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $1,920 from Tempe and $1,920 from Wolli Creek.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Tempe and Wolli Creek?
At 3% annual cost growth, Tempe costs a cumulative $96,469 and Wolli Creek costs $96,503 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $34 in favour of Tempe. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Tempe and Wolli Creek 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: Inner West rates (OLG and Bayside 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.