Fountaindale vs Glenning Valley: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Fountaindale and Glenning Valley are both Central Coast rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 61.1 km and 61.7 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $109 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 →Fountaindale
Glenning Valley
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Fountaindale | Glenning Valley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,454 | $1,454 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,878 | $4,769 | +$109 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,850 | $2,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $10,482 | $10,373 | +$109 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,004 | $8,004 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Fountaindale | Glenning Valley | 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 — Fountaindale vs Glenning Valley (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Fountaindale and Glenning Valley cost within $109 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,249, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $109 per year. Glenning Valley is 61.7 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, $8,004 and $8,004 a year, so the $109 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Fountaindale cumulative | Glenning Valley cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $10,482 | $10,373 | $109 |
| Year 3 | $32,399 | $32,062 | $337 |
| Year 5 | $55,650 | $55,072 | $578 |
| Year 10 | $120,164 | $118,915 | $1,249 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fountaindale or Glenning Valley cheaper to live in?
Glenning Valley is cheaper to run by car at $10,373 per year versus $10,482 for Fountaindale, a difference of $109 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Fountaindale and Glenning Valley?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,454 in Fountaindale (Central Coast rates (OLG) and $1,454 in Glenning Valley (Central Coast rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Fountaindale and $1,300 in Glenning Valley. 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 Fountaindale and Glenning Valley?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,878 from Fountaindale and $4,769 from Glenning Valley to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Fountaindale and $2,400 from Glenning Valley.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Fountaindale and Glenning Valley?
At 3% annual cost growth, Fountaindale costs a cumulative $120,164 and Glenning Valley costs $118,915 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,249 in favour of Glenning Valley. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Fountaindale and Glenning Valley 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: Central Coast rates (OLG and Central Coast 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.