Lindendale vs Wollongbar: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Lindendale (Lismore rates (OLG) and Wollongbar (Ballina Shire Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 6% in) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (597 km and 598.1 km).
The two sit within $150 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 →Lindendale
Wollongbar
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Lindendale | Wollongbar | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,534 | $1,384 | +$150 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $1,700 | $1,700 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $22,134 | $21,984 | +$150 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,934 | $6,784 | +$150 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Lindendale | Wollongbar | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,098 | $2,098 | - |
| Unit | $1,679 | $1,679 | - |
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 — Lindendale vs Wollongbar (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Lindendale and Wollongbar cost within $150 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,720, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $150 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,934 and $6,784 a year, so the $150 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Lindendale cumulative | Wollongbar cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $22,134 | $21,984 | $150 |
| Year 3 | $68,414 | $67,950 | $464 |
| Year 5 | $117,512 | $116,716 | $796 |
| Year 10 | $253,742 | $252,022 | $1,720 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lindendale or Wollongbar cheaper to live in?
Wollongbar is cheaper to run by car at $21,984 per year versus $22,134 for Lindendale, a difference of $150 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Lindendale and Wollongbar?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,534 in Lindendale (Lismore rates (OLG) and $1,384 in Wollongbar (Ballina Shire Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 6% in). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Lindendale and $1,300 in Wollongbar. 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 Lindendale and Wollongbar?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Lindendale and $17,600 from Wollongbar to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Lindendale and $2,400 from Wollongbar.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Lindendale and Wollongbar?
At 3% annual cost growth, Lindendale costs a cumulative $253,742 and Wollongbar costs $252,022 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,720 in favour of Wollongbar. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Lindendale and Wollongbar 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: Lismore rates (OLG and Ballina Shire Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 6% in 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.