Dolans Bay vs Lilli Pilli: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Dolans Bay and Lilli Pilli are both Sutherland rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 22.8 km and 23.5 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $102 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 →Dolans Bay
Lilli Pilli
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Dolans Bay | Lilli Pilli | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,617 | $1,617 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,697 | $5,799 | -$102 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,812 | $11,914 | -$102 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,515 | $8,515 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Dolans Bay | Lilli Pilli | 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 — Dolans Bay vs Lilli Pilli (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Dolans Bay and Lilli Pilli cost within $102 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,170, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $102 per year. Lilli Pilli is 23.5 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, $8,515 and $8,515 a year, so the $102 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,617 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Dolans Bay by $102 a year, $5,697 against $5,799.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,950 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. What separates them is commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Dolans Bay cumulative | Lilli Pilli cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,812 | $11,914 | $102 |
| Year 3 | $36,510 | $36,825 | $315 |
| Year 5 | $62,712 | $63,253 | $541 |
| Year 10 | $135,411 | $136,581 | $1,170 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dolans Bay or Lilli Pilli cheaper to live in?
Dolans Bay is cheaper to run by car at $11,812 per year versus $11,914 for Lilli Pilli, a difference of $102 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Dolans Bay and Lilli Pilli?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,617 in Dolans Bay (Sutherland rates (OLG) and $1,617 in Lilli Pilli (Sutherland rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Dolans Bay and $1,548 in Lilli Pilli. 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 Dolans Bay and Lilli Pilli?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,697 from Dolans Bay and $5,799 from Lilli Pilli to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Dolans Bay and $2,400 from Lilli Pilli.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Dolans Bay and Lilli Pilli?
At 3% annual cost growth, Dolans Bay costs a cumulative $135,411 and Lilli Pilli costs $136,581 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,170 in favour of Dolans Bay. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Dolans Bay and Lilli Pilli 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.
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Sources: Sutherland rates (OLG and Sutherland 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.