Laurieton vs West Haven: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Laurieton and West Haven are both Port Macquarie-Hastings rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 25.2 km and 25 km from Port Macquarie CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $26 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 →Laurieton
West Haven
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Laurieton | West Haven | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,370 | $1,370 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,032 | $6,006 | +$26 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,802 | $11,776 | +$26 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,170 | $8,170 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Laurieton | West Haven | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,827 | $2,827 | - |
| Unit | $2,369 | $2,369 | - |
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 — Laurieton vs West Haven (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Laurieton and West Haven cost within $26 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $298, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $26 per year. Laurieton is 25.2 km from Port Macquarie CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,170 and $8,170 a year, so the $26 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,370 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute favours West Haven by $26 a year, $6,006 against $6,032.
- Building insurance is identical at $3,100 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 | Laurieton cumulative | West Haven cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,802 | $11,776 | $26 |
| Year 3 | $36,479 | $36,398 | $81 |
| Year 5 | $62,658 | $62,520 | $138 |
| Year 10 | $135,297 | $134,999 | $298 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Laurieton or West Haven cheaper to live in?
West Haven is cheaper to run by car at $11,776 per year versus $11,802 for Laurieton, a difference of $26 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Laurieton and West Haven?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,370 in Laurieton (Port Macquarie-Hastings rates (OLG) and $1,370 in West Haven (Port Macquarie-Hastings rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Laurieton and $1,300 in West Haven. 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 Laurieton and West Haven?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,032 from Laurieton and $6,006 from West Haven to Port Macquarie CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Laurieton and $2,400 from West Haven.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Laurieton and West Haven?
At 3% annual cost growth, Laurieton costs a cumulative $135,297 and West Haven costs $134,999 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $298 in favour of West Haven. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Laurieton and West Haven 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: Port Macquarie-Hastings rates (OLG and Port Macquarie-Hastings 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.