Fishing Point vs Lake Macquarie: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Fishing Point and Lake Macquarie are both Lake Macquarie rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 97.4 km and 96.8 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $26 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 →Fishing Point
Lake Macquarie
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Fishing Point | Lake Macquarie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,763 | $1,763 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,377 | $1,377 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,254 | $4,228 | +$26 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,194 | $10,168 | +$26 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,340 | $8,340 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Fishing Point | Lake Macquarie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,342 | $2,292 | +$50 |
| Unit | $1,909 | $1,871 | +$38 |
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 — Fishing Point vs Lake Macquarie (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Fishing Point and Lake Macquarie cost within $26 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $298, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $26 per year. Fishing Point is 97.4 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, $8,340 and $8,340 a year, so the $26 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,763 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,377 a year.
- Driving commute favours Lake Macquarie by $26 a year, $4,228 against $4,254.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,800 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 | Fishing Point cumulative | Lake Macquarie cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,194 | $10,168 | $26 |
| Year 3 | $31,509 | $31,428 | $81 |
| Year 5 | $54,121 | $53,983 | $138 |
| Year 10 | $116,863 | $116,565 | $298 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fishing Point or Lake Macquarie cheaper to live in?
Lake Macquarie is cheaper to run by car at $10,168 per year versus $10,194 for Fishing Point, a difference of $26 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Fishing Point and Lake Macquarie?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,763 in Fishing Point (Lake Macquarie rates (OLG) and $1,763 in Lake Macquarie (Lake Macquarie rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,377 in Fishing Point and $1,377 in Lake Macquarie. 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 Fishing Point and Lake Macquarie?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,254 from Fishing Point and $4,228 from Lake Macquarie to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Fishing Point and $2,400 from Lake Macquarie.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Fishing Point and Lake Macquarie?
At 3% annual cost growth, Fishing Point costs a cumulative $116,863 and Lake Macquarie costs $116,565 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $298 in favour of Lake Macquarie. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Fishing Point and Lake Macquarie 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: Lake Macquarie rates (OLG and Lake Macquarie 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.