Lovett Bay vs Scotland Island: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Lovett Bay and Scotland Island are both Northern Beaches rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 27.3 km and 26.6 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $77 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 →Lovett Bay
Scotland Island
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Lovett Bay | Scotland Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,766 | $1,766 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,077 | $6,000 | +$77 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,550 | $2,550 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,941 | $11,864 | +$77 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,264 | $8,264 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Lovett Bay | Scotland Island | 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 — Lovett Bay vs Scotland Island (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Lovett Bay and Scotland Island cost within $77 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $883, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $77 per year. Lovett Bay is 27.3 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, $8,264 and $8,264 a year, so the $77 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Lovett Bay cumulative | Scotland Island cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,941 | $11,864 | $77 |
| Year 3 | $36,908 | $36,670 | $238 |
| Year 5 | $63,396 | $62,988 | $408 |
| Year 10 | $136,890 | $136,007 | $883 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lovett Bay or Scotland Island cheaper to live in?
Scotland Island is cheaper to run by car at $11,864 per year versus $11,941 for Lovett Bay, a difference of $77 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Lovett Bay and Scotland Island?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,766 in Lovett Bay (Northern Beaches rates (OLG) and $1,766 in Scotland Island (Northern Beaches rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Lovett Bay and $1,548 in Scotland Island. 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 Lovett Bay and Scotland Island?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,077 from Lovett Bay and $6,000 from Scotland Island to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Lovett Bay and $2,400 from Scotland Island.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Lovett Bay and Scotland Island?
At 3% annual cost growth, Lovett Bay costs a cumulative $136,890 and Scotland Island costs $136,007 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $883 in favour of Scotland Island. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Lovett Bay and Scotland Island 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: Northern Beaches rates (OLG and Northern Beaches 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.