North Manly vs Queenscliff: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
North Manly and Queenscliff are both Northern Beaches rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 11.9 km and 11.9 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $0 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.
North Manly
Queenscliff
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | North Manly | Queenscliff | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,766 | $1,766 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,423 | $3,423 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,386 | $2,386 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,950 | $2,950 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,600 | $2,600 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,687 | $9,687 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $8,650 | $8,650 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | North Manly | Queenscliff | 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 — North Manly vs Queenscliff (2026-27)
What the numbers show
North Manly and Queenscliff cost within $0 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $0, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is council rates at $0 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,650 and $8,650 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | North Manly cumulative | Queenscliff cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,687 | $9,687 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $29,942 | $29,942 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $51,430 | $51,430 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $111,051 | $111,051 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is North Manly or Queenscliff cheaper to live in?
North Manly is cheaper to run by car at $9,687 per year versus $9,687 for Queenscliff, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in North Manly and Queenscliff?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,766 in North Manly (Northern Beaches rates (OLG) and $1,766 in Queenscliff (Northern Beaches rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in North Manly and $1,548 in Queenscliff. 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 North Manly and Queenscliff?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,423 from North Manly and $3,423 from Queenscliff to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,386 from North Manly and $2,386 from Queenscliff.
What is the 10-year cost difference between North Manly and Queenscliff?
At 3% annual cost growth, North Manly costs a cumulative $111,051 and Queenscliff costs $111,051 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of North Manly. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of North Manly and Queenscliff 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.