Leura vs Wentworth Falls: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Leura and Wentworth Falls are both Blue Mountains rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 82.3 km and 78.8 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $153 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 →Leura
Wentworth Falls
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Leura | Wentworth Falls | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $2,157 | $2,157 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,595 | $3,442 | +$153 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,700 | $9,547 | +$153 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,505 | $8,505 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Leura | Wentworth Falls | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,720 | $2,720 | - |
| Unit | $2,209 | $2,209 | - |
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 — Leura vs Wentworth Falls (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Leura and Wentworth Falls cost within $153 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,754, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $153 per year. Leura is 82.3 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, $8,505 and $8,505 a year, so the $153 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $2,157 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Wentworth Falls by $153 a year, $3,442 against $3,595.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,400 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 | Leura cumulative | Wentworth Falls cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,700 | $9,547 | $153 |
| Year 3 | $29,982 | $29,509 | $473 |
| Year 5 | $51,499 | $50,686 | $813 |
| Year 10 | $111,200 | $109,446 | $1,754 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Leura or Wentworth Falls cheaper to live in?
Wentworth Falls is cheaper to run by car at $9,547 per year versus $9,700 for Leura, a difference of $153 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Leura and Wentworth Falls?
Annual council rates for a house are $2,157 in Leura (Blue Mountains rates (OLG) and $2,157 in Wentworth Falls (Blue Mountains rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Leura and $1,548 in Wentworth Falls. 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 Leura and Wentworth Falls?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,595 from Leura and $3,442 from Wentworth Falls to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Leura and $2,400 from Wentworth Falls.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Leura and Wentworth Falls?
At 3% annual cost growth, Leura costs a cumulative $111,200 and Wentworth Falls costs $109,446 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,754 in favour of Wentworth Falls. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Leura and Wentworth Falls 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: Blue Mountains rates (OLG and Blue Mountains 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.