Lake Illawarra vs Warilla: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Lake Illawarra and Warilla are both Shellharbour rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 81.3 km and 82.5 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $51 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 →Lake Illawarra
Warilla
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Lake Illawarra | Warilla | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,865 | $1,865 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,434 | $3,485 | -$51 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,647 | $9,698 | -$51 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,613 | $8,613 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Lake Illawarra | Warilla | 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 — Lake Illawarra vs Warilla (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Lake Illawarra and Warilla cost within $51 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $585, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $51 per year. Warilla is 82.5 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, $8,613 and $8,613 a year, so the $51 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Lake Illawarra cumulative | Warilla cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,647 | $9,698 | $51 |
| Year 3 | $29,818 | $29,976 | $158 |
| Year 5 | $51,217 | $51,488 | $271 |
| Year 10 | $110,592 | $111,177 | $585 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Illawarra or Warilla cheaper to live in?
Lake Illawarra is cheaper to run by car at $9,647 per year versus $9,698 for Warilla, a difference of $51 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Lake Illawarra and Warilla?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,865 in Lake Illawarra (Shellharbour rates (OLG) and $1,865 in Warilla (Shellharbour rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Lake Illawarra and $1,548 in Warilla. 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 Lake Illawarra and Warilla?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,434 from Lake Illawarra and $3,485 from Warilla to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Lake Illawarra and $2,400 from Warilla.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Lake Illawarra and Warilla?
At 3% annual cost growth, Lake Illawarra costs a cumulative $110,592 and Warilla costs $111,177 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $585 in favour of Lake Illawarra. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Lake Illawarra and Warilla 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: Shellharbour rates (OLG and Shellharbour 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.