Lane Cove North vs Lane Cove West: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Lane Cove North (Willoughby rates (OLG) and Lane Cove West (Lane Cove rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (8.7 km and 8.2 km).
The two sit within $28 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 →Lane Cove North
Lane Cove West
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Lane Cove North | Lane Cove West | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,341 | $1,502 | -$161 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $2,620 | $2,487 | +$133 |
| Commute (public transport) | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,850 | $1,850 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $7,359 | $7,387 | -$28 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,659 | $6,820 | -$161 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Lane Cove North | Lane Cove West | 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 — Lane Cove North vs Lane Cove West (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Lane Cove North and Lane Cove West cost within $28 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $321, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $161 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,659 and $6,820 a year, so the $28 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Lane Cove North cumulative | Lane Cove West cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,359 | $7,387 | $28 |
| Year 3 | $22,746 | $22,832 | $86 |
| Year 5 | $39,070 | $39,219 | $149 |
| Year 10 | $84,363 | $84,684 | $321 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lane Cove North or Lane Cove West cheaper to live in?
Lane Cove North is cheaper to run by car at $7,359 per year versus $7,387 for Lane Cove West, a difference of $28 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Lane Cove North and Lane Cove West?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,341 in Lane Cove North (Willoughby rates (OLG) and $1,502 in Lane Cove West (Lane Cove rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Lane Cove North and $1,548 in Lane Cove West. 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 Lane Cove North and Lane Cove West?
Annual driving commute costs are $2,620 from Lane Cove North and $2,487 from Lane Cove West to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $1,920 from Lane Cove North and $1,920 from Lane Cove West.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Lane Cove North and Lane Cove West?
At 3% annual cost growth, Lane Cove North costs a cumulative $84,363 and Lane Cove West costs $84,684 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $321 in favour of Lane Cove North. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Lane Cove North and Lane Cove West 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: Willoughby rates (OLG and Lane Cove 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.