Lilyvale vs Waterfall: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Lilyvale (Wollongong rates (OLG) and Waterfall (Sutherland rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (37.8 km and 35.2 km).
The two sit within $282 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 →Lilyvale
Waterfall
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Lilyvale | Waterfall | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,819 | $1,617 | +$202 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,968 | $6,888 | +$80 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,550 | $2,550 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,885 | $12,603 | +$282 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,317 | $8,115 | +$202 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Lilyvale | Waterfall | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,442 | $2,342 | +$100 |
| Unit | $2,001 | $1,909 | +$92 |
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 — Lilyvale vs Waterfall (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Lilyvale and Waterfall cost within $282 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $3,233, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $202 per year.
On public transport the gap is $202 per year, $8,317 from Lilyvale versus $8,115 from Waterfall.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates favours Waterfall by $202 a year, $1,617 against $1,819.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Waterfall by $80 a year, $6,888 against $6,968.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,550 a year.
They sit in different council areas, so the rates line is set by two different councils. For NSW that figure is the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by that council's IPART rate peg.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Lilyvale cumulative | Waterfall cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,885 | $12,603 | $282 |
| Year 3 | $39,826 | $38,955 | $871 |
| Year 5 | $68,408 | $66,911 | $1,497 |
| Year 10 | $147,712 | $144,479 | $3,233 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lilyvale or Waterfall cheaper to live in?
Waterfall is cheaper to run by car at $12,603 per year versus $12,885 for Lilyvale, a difference of $282 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Lilyvale and Waterfall?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,819 in Lilyvale (Wollongong rates (OLG) and $1,617 in Waterfall (Sutherland rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Lilyvale and $1,548 in Waterfall. 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 Lilyvale and Waterfall?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,968 from Lilyvale and $6,888 from Waterfall to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Lilyvale and $2,400 from Waterfall.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Lilyvale and Waterfall?
At 3% annual cost growth, Lilyvale costs a cumulative $147,712 and Waterfall costs $144,479 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,233 in favour of Waterfall. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Lilyvale and Waterfall 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: Wollongong 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.