Engadine vs Loftus: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Engadine and Loftus are both Sutherland rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 26.9 km and 24.9 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $239 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 →Engadine
Loftus
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Engadine | Loftus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,617 | $1,617 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,034 | $5,795 | +$239 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,150 | $2,150 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,300 | -$200 |
| Total (driving) | $11,349 | $11,110 | +$239 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,715 | $7,715 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Engadine | Loftus | 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 — Engadine vs Loftus (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Engadine and Loftus cost within $239 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,740, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $239 per year. Engadine is 26.9 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, $7,715 and $7,715 a year, so the $239 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Engadine cumulative | Loftus cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,349 | $11,110 | $239 |
| Year 3 | $35,079 | $34,340 | $739 |
| Year 5 | $60,253 | $58,984 | $1,269 |
| Year 10 | $130,104 | $127,364 | $2,740 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Engadine or Loftus cheaper to live in?
Loftus is cheaper to run by car at $11,110 per year versus $11,349 for Engadine, a difference of $239 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Engadine and Loftus?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,617 in Engadine (Sutherland rates (OLG) and $1,617 in Loftus (Sutherland rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Engadine and $1,548 in Loftus. 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 Engadine and Loftus?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,034 from Engadine and $5,795 from Loftus to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Engadine and $2,400 from Loftus.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Engadine and Loftus?
At 3% annual cost growth, Engadine costs a cumulative $130,104 and Loftus costs $127,364 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,740 in favour of Loftus. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Engadine and Loftus 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: Sutherland rates (OLG and Sutherland 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.