Artarmon vs Willoughby: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Artarmon and Willoughby are both Willoughby rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 6.8 km and 6.8 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $0 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.
Artarmon
Willoughby
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Artarmon | Willoughby | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,341 | $1,341 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,175 | $2,175 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $6,914 | $6,914 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $6,659 | $6,659 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Artarmon | Willoughby | 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 — Artarmon vs Willoughby (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Artarmon and Willoughby cost within $0 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $0, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $0 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,659 and $6,659 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,341 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute is identical at $2,175 a year.
- Building insurance is identical at $1,850 a year.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. On these four costs they are identical.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Artarmon cumulative | Willoughby cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,914 | $6,914 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $21,370 | $21,370 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $36,707 | $36,707 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $79,261 | $79,261 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Artarmon or Willoughby cheaper to live in?
Artarmon is cheaper to run by car at $6,914 per year versus $6,914 for Willoughby, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Artarmon and Willoughby?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,341 in Artarmon (Willoughby rates (OLG) and $1,341 in Willoughby (Willoughby rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Artarmon and $1,548 in Willoughby. 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 Artarmon and Willoughby?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,175 from Artarmon and $2,175 from Willoughby to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $1,920 from Artarmon and $1,920 from Willoughby.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Artarmon and Willoughby?
At 3% annual cost growth, Artarmon costs a cumulative $79,261 and Willoughby costs $79,261 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Artarmon. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Artarmon and Willoughby 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: Willoughby rates (OLG and Willoughby 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.