Fernside vs Leycester: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Fernside and Leycester are both Lismore rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 594.7 km and 596.2 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $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.
Fernside
Leycester
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Fernside | Leycester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,534 | $1,534 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,450 | $2,450 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $22,884 | $22,884 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $7,684 | $7,684 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Fernside | Leycester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,098 | $2,098 | - |
| Unit | $1,679 | $1,679 | - |
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 — Fernside vs Leycester (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Fernside and Leycester 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, $7,684 and $7,684 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Fernside cumulative | Leycester cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $22,884 | $22,884 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $70,732 | $70,732 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $121,494 | $121,494 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $262,339 | $262,339 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fernside or Leycester cheaper to live in?
Fernside is cheaper to run by car at $22,884 per year versus $22,884 for Leycester, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Fernside and Leycester?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,534 in Fernside (Lismore rates (OLG) and $1,534 in Leycester (Lismore rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Fernside and $1,300 in Leycester. 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 Fernside and Leycester?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Fernside and $17,600 from Leycester to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Fernside and $2,400 from Leycester.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Fernside and Leycester?
At 3% annual cost growth, Fernside costs a cumulative $262,339 and Leycester costs $262,339 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Fernside. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Fernside and Leycester 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: Lismore rates (OLG and Lismore 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.