South Lismore vs Tuncester: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
South Lismore and Tuncester are both Lismore rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 595.1 km and 596 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.
South Lismore
Tuncester
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | South Lismore | Tuncester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,534 | $1,534 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,100 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $23,534 | $23,534 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $8,334 | $8,334 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | South Lismore | Tuncester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,098 | $2,098 | - |
| Unit | $1,679 | $1,679 | - |
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 — South Lismore vs Tuncester (2026-27)
What the numbers show
South Lismore and Tuncester 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, $8,334 and $8,334 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | South Lismore cumulative | Tuncester cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $23,534 | $23,534 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $72,741 | $72,741 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $124,945 | $124,945 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $269,791 | $269,791 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is South Lismore or Tuncester cheaper to live in?
South Lismore is cheaper to run by car at $23,534 per year versus $23,534 for Tuncester, 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 South Lismore and Tuncester?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,534 in South Lismore (Lismore rates (OLG) and $1,534 in Tuncester (Lismore rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in South Lismore and $1,300 in Tuncester. 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 South Lismore and Tuncester?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from South Lismore and $17,600 from Tuncester to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from South Lismore and $2,400 from Tuncester.
What is the 10-year cost difference between South Lismore and Tuncester?
At 3% annual cost growth, South Lismore costs a cumulative $269,791 and Tuncester costs $269,791 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of South Lismore. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of South Lismore and Tuncester 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: Lismore rates (OLG and Lismore 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.