Blackett vs Lethbridge Park: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Blackett and Lethbridge Park are both Blacktown City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 11.54% adopted for suburbs, sitting 39.4 km and 40.4 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $1 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.
Blackett
Lethbridge Park
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Blackett | Lethbridge Park | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,360 | $1,360 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,757 | $6,758 | -$1 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,515 | $11,516 | -$1 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,158 | $7,158 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Blackett | Lethbridge Park | 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 — Blackett vs Lethbridge Park (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Blackett and Lethbridge Park cost within $1 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $11, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $1 per year. Lethbridge Park is 40.4 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, $7,158 and $7,158 a year, so the $1 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Blackett cumulative | Lethbridge Park cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,515 | $11,516 | $1 |
| Year 3 | $35,592 | $35,595 | $3 |
| Year 5 | $61,135 | $61,140 | $5 |
| Year 10 | $132,007 | $132,018 | $11 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blackett or Lethbridge Park cheaper to live in?
Blackett is cheaper to run by car at $11,515 per year versus $11,516 for Lethbridge Park, a difference of $1 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Blackett and Lethbridge Park?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,360 in Blackett (Blacktown City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 11.54% adopted for) and $1,360 in Lethbridge Park (Blacktown City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 11.54% adopted for). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Blackett and $1,548 in Lethbridge Park. 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 Blackett and Lethbridge Park?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,757 from Blackett and $6,758 from Lethbridge Park to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Blackett and $2,400 from Lethbridge Park.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Blackett and Lethbridge Park?
At 3% annual cost growth, Blackett costs a cumulative $132,007 and Lethbridge Park costs $132,018 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $11 in favour of Blackett. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Blackett and Lethbridge Park 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: Blacktown City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 11.54% adopted for and Blacktown City Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 11.54% adopted for 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.