Lilli Pilli vs Maianbar: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Lilli Pilli and Maianbar are both Sutherland rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 23.5 km and 24.5 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $141 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 →Lilli Pilli
Maianbar
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Lilli Pilli | Maianbar | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,617 | $1,617 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,799 | $5,940 | -$141 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,914 | $12,055 | -$141 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,515 | $8,515 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Lilli Pilli | Maianbar | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,342 | $2,342 | - |
| Unit | $1,909 | $1,909 | - |
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 — Lilli Pilli vs Maianbar (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Lilli Pilli and Maianbar cost within $141 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,616, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $141 per year. Maianbar is 24.5 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, $8,515 and $8,515 a year, so the $141 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,617 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Lilli Pilli by $141 a year, $5,799 against $5,940.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,950 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 | Lilli Pilli cumulative | Maianbar cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,914 | $12,055 | $141 |
| Year 3 | $36,825 | $37,261 | $436 |
| Year 5 | $63,253 | $64,002 | $749 |
| Year 10 | $136,581 | $138,197 | $1,616 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lilli Pilli or Maianbar cheaper to live in?
Lilli Pilli is cheaper to run by car at $11,914 per year versus $12,055 for Maianbar, a difference of $141 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Lilli Pilli and Maianbar?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,617 in Lilli Pilli (Sutherland rates (OLG) and $1,617 in Maianbar (Sutherland rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Lilli Pilli and $1,548 in Maianbar. 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 Lilli Pilli and Maianbar?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,799 from Lilli Pilli and $5,940 from Maianbar to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Lilli Pilli and $2,400 from Maianbar.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Lilli Pilli and Maianbar?
At 3% annual cost growth, Lilli Pilli costs a cumulative $136,581 and Maianbar costs $138,197 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,616 in favour of Lilli Pilli. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Lilli Pilli and Maianbar 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.
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Sources: Sutherland rates (OLG and Sutherland 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.