Forest Glen vs Glenorie: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Forest Glen (Hornsby rates (OLG) and Glenorie (The Hills rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (39.8 km and 39.5 km).
The two sit within $281 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 →Forest Glen
Glenorie
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Forest Glen | Glenorie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,541 | $1,261 | +$280 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,758 | $6,757 | +$1 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,550 | $2,550 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,397 | $12,116 | +$281 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,039 | $7,759 | +$280 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Forest Glen | Glenorie | 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 — Forest Glen vs Glenorie (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Forest Glen and Glenorie cost within $281 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,222, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $280 per year.
On public transport the gap is $280 per year, $8,039 from Forest Glen versus $7,759 from Glenorie.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Forest Glen cumulative | Glenorie cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,397 | $12,116 | $281 |
| Year 3 | $38,318 | $37,449 | $869 |
| Year 5 | $65,817 | $64,325 | $1,492 |
| Year 10 | $142,118 | $138,896 | $3,222 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Forest Glen or Glenorie cheaper to live in?
Glenorie is cheaper to run by car at $12,116 per year versus $12,397 for Forest Glen, a difference of $281 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Forest Glen and Glenorie?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,541 in Forest Glen (Hornsby rates (OLG) and $1,261 in Glenorie (The Hills rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Forest Glen and $1,548 in Glenorie. 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 Forest Glen and Glenorie?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,758 from Forest Glen and $6,757 from Glenorie to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Forest Glen and $2,400 from Glenorie.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Forest Glen and Glenorie?
At 3% annual cost growth, Forest Glen costs a cumulative $142,118 and Glenorie costs $138,896 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,222 in favour of Glenorie. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Forest Glen and Glenorie 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: Hornsby rates (OLG and The Hills 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.