North Narrabeen vs Warriewood: 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 Narrabeen and Warriewood are both Northern Beaches rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 19.6 km and 21.7 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
North Narrabeen runs $343 a year cheaper than Warriewood, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $3,932.
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 →North Narrabeen
Warriewood
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | North Narrabeen | Warriewood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,766 | $1,766 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $5,001 | $5,344 | -$343 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,386 | $2,400 | -$14 |
| Home insurance | $3,250 | $3,250 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,300 | $2,300 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,565 | $11,908 | -$343 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,950 | $8,964 | -$14 |
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 Narrabeen | Warriewood | 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 Narrabeen vs Warriewood (2026-27)
What the numbers show
North Narrabeen costs $343 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $3,932 in favour of North Narrabeen.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $343 per year. Warriewood is 21.7 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, $8,950 and $8,964 a year, so the $343 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | North Narrabeen cumulative | Warriewood cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,565 | $11,908 | $343 |
| Year 3 | $35,746 | $36,806 | $1,060 |
| Year 5 | $61,400 | $63,221 | $1,821 |
| Year 10 | $132,580 | $136,512 | $3,932 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is North Narrabeen or Warriewood cheaper to live in?
North Narrabeen is cheaper to run by car at $11,565 per year versus $11,908 for Warriewood, a difference of $343 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in North Narrabeen and Warriewood?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,766 in North Narrabeen (Northern Beaches rates (OLG) and $1,766 in Warriewood (Northern Beaches rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in North Narrabeen and $1,548 in Warriewood. 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 Narrabeen and Warriewood?
Annual driving commute costs are $5,001 from North Narrabeen and $5,344 from Warriewood to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,386 from North Narrabeen and $2,400 from Warriewood.
What is the 10-year cost difference between North Narrabeen and Warriewood?
At 3% annual cost growth, North Narrabeen costs a cumulative $132,580 and Warriewood costs $136,512 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $3,932 in favour of North Narrabeen. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of North Narrabeen and Warriewood 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.