Tempe vs Wolli Creek: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/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 $2 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) | $2,433 | $2,567 | -$134 |
| Commute (public transport) | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $8,332 | $8,330 | +$2 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,819 | $7,683 | +$136 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Tempe | Wolli Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,148 | $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 — Tempe vs Wolli Creek (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Tempe and Wolli Creek cost within $2 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $23, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $136 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,819 and $7,683 a year, so the $2 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Tempe cumulative | Wolli Creek cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,332 | $8,330 | $2 |
| Year 3 | $25,753 | $25,747 | $6 |
| Year 5 | $44,236 | $44,225 | $11 |
| Year 10 | $95,517 | $95,494 | $23 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe or Wolli Creek cheaper to live in?
Wolli Creek is cheaper to run by car at $8,330 per year versus $8,332 for Tempe, a difference of $2 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/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 $2,433 from Tempe and $2,567 from Wolli Creek to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/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 $95,517 and Wolli Creek costs $95,494 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $23 in favour of Wolli Creek. 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.