Longueville vs Northwood: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Longueville and Northwood are both Lane Cove rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 5.7 km and 5.1 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $175 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 →Longueville
Northwood
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Longueville | Northwood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,502 | $1,502 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $1,789 | $1,614 | +$175 |
| Commute (public transport) | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $7,139 | $6,964 | +$175 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,270 | $7,270 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Longueville | Northwood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,148 | $2,148 | - |
| Unit | $1,716 | $1,716 | - |
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 — Longueville vs Northwood (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Longueville and Northwood cost within $175 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,007, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $175 per year. Longueville is 5.7 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,270 and $7,270 a year, so the $175 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Longueville cumulative | Northwood cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $7,139 | $6,964 | $175 |
| Year 3 | $22,066 | $21,525 | $541 |
| Year 5 | $37,902 | $36,973 | $929 |
| Year 10 | $81,841 | $79,834 | $2,007 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Longueville or Northwood cheaper to live in?
Northwood is cheaper to run by car at $6,964 per year versus $7,139 for Longueville, a difference of $175 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Longueville and Northwood?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,502 in Longueville (Lane Cove rates (OLG) and $1,502 in Northwood (Lane Cove rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Longueville and $1,548 in Northwood. 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 Longueville and Northwood?
Annual driving commute costs are $1,789 from Longueville and $1,614 from Northwood to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $1,920 from Longueville and $1,920 from Northwood.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Longueville and Northwood?
At 3% annual cost growth, Longueville costs a cumulative $81,841 and Northwood costs $79,834 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,007 in favour of Northwood. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Longueville and Northwood 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: Lane Cove rates (OLG and Lane Cove rates (OLG 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.