Point Clare vs West Gosford: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Point Clare and West Gosford are both Central Coast rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 49.1 km and 50 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $73 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 →Point Clare
West Gosford
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Point Clare | West Gosford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,454 | $1,454 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,409 | $6,336 | +$73 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,250 | $3,250 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,100 | $2,100 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,413 | $12,340 | +$73 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,404 | $8,404 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Point Clare | West Gosford | 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 — Point Clare vs West Gosford (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Point Clare and West Gosford cost within $73 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $837, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $73 per year. West Gosford is 50 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, $8,404 and $8,404 a year, so the $73 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Point Clare cumulative | West Gosford cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,413 | $12,340 | $73 |
| Year 3 | $38,367 | $38,142 | $225 |
| Year 5 | $65,902 | $65,515 | $387 |
| Year 10 | $142,301 | $141,464 | $837 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Point Clare or West Gosford cheaper to live in?
West Gosford is cheaper to run by car at $12,340 per year versus $12,413 for Point Clare, a difference of $73 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Point Clare and West Gosford?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,454 in Point Clare (Central Coast rates (OLG) and $1,454 in West Gosford (Central Coast rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Point Clare and $1,300 in West Gosford. 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 Point Clare and West Gosford?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,409 from Point Clare and $6,336 from West Gosford to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Point Clare and $2,400 from West Gosford.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Point Clare and West Gosford?
At 3% annual cost growth, Point Clare costs a cumulative $142,301 and West Gosford costs $141,464 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $837 in favour of West Gosford. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Point Clare and West Gosford 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: Central Coast rates (OLG and Central Coast 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.