Tennyson vs The Slopes: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Tennyson and The Slopes are both Hawkesbury City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 8.66% in suburbs, sitting 58.2 km and 59.2 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $158 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 →Tennyson
The Slopes
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Tennyson | The Slopes | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,848 | $1,848 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,359 | $5,201 | +$158 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,150 | $2,150 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,905 | $10,747 | +$158 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,946 | $7,946 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Tennyson | The Slopes | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,420 | $2,420 | - |
| Unit | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
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 — Tennyson vs The Slopes (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Tennyson and The Slopes cost within $158 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,812, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $158 per year. The Slopes is 59.2 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, $7,946 and $7,946 a year, so the $158 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Tennyson cumulative | The Slopes cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,905 | $10,747 | $158 |
| Year 3 | $33,706 | $33,218 | $488 |
| Year 5 | $57,896 | $57,057 | $839 |
| Year 10 | $125,014 | $123,202 | $1,812 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tennyson or The Slopes cheaper to live in?
The Slopes is cheaper to run by car at $10,747 per year versus $10,905 for Tennyson, a difference of $158 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Tennyson and The Slopes?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,848 in Tennyson (Hawkesbury City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 8.66% in) and $1,848 in The Slopes (Hawkesbury City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 8.66% in). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Tennyson and $1,548 in The Slopes. 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 Tennyson and The Slopes?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,359 from Tennyson and $5,201 from The Slopes to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Tennyson and $2,400 from The Slopes.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Tennyson and The Slopes?
At 3% annual cost growth, Tennyson costs a cumulative $125,014 and The Slopes costs $123,202 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,812 in favour of The Slopes. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Tennyson and The Slopes 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: Hawkesbury City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 8.66% in and Hawkesbury City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 8.66% in 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.