Forestville vs Frenchs Forest: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Forestville and Frenchs Forest are both Northern Beaches rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 12.1 km and 13.3 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $287 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 →Forestville
Frenchs Forest
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Forestville | Frenchs Forest | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,766 | $1,766 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,588 | $3,875 | -$287 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,386 | $2,386 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,150 | $2,150 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,052 | $9,339 | -$287 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,850 | $7,850 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Forestville | Frenchs Forest | 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 — Forestville vs Frenchs Forest (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Forestville and Frenchs Forest cost within $287 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,290, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $287 per year. Frenchs Forest is 13.3 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, $7,850 and $7,850 a year, so the $287 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,766 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Forestville by $287 a year, $3,588 against $3,875.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,150 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 | Forestville cumulative | Frenchs Forest cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,052 | $9,339 | $287 |
| Year 3 | $27,979 | $28,866 | $887 |
| Year 5 | $48,058 | $49,582 | $1,524 |
| Year 10 | $103,771 | $107,061 | $3,290 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Forestville or Frenchs Forest cheaper to live in?
Forestville is cheaper to run by car at $9,052 per year versus $9,339 for Frenchs Forest, a difference of $287 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Forestville and Frenchs Forest?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,766 in Forestville (Northern Beaches rates (OLG) and $1,766 in Frenchs Forest (Northern Beaches rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Forestville and $1,548 in Frenchs Forest. 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 Forestville and Frenchs Forest?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,588 from Forestville and $3,875 from Frenchs Forest to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,386 from Forestville and $2,386 from Frenchs Forest.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Forestville and Frenchs Forest?
At 3% annual cost growth, Forestville costs a cumulative $103,771 and Frenchs Forest costs $107,061 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,290 in favour of Forestville. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Forestville and Frenchs Forest 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: Northern Beaches rates (OLG and Northern Beaches 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.