The Entrance vs Toowoon Bay: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
The Entrance and Toowoon Bay are both Central Coast rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 63.8 km and 62.5 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $254 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 →The Entrance
Toowoon Bay
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | The Entrance | Toowoon Bay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,454 | $1,454 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,366 | $4,620 | -$254 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,800 | $2,800 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,920 | $10,174 | -$254 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,954 | $7,954 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | The Entrance | Toowoon Bay | 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 — The Entrance vs Toowoon Bay (2026-27)
What the numbers show
The Entrance and Toowoon Bay cost within $254 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,912, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $254 per year. The Entrance is 63.8 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, $7,954 and $7,954 a year, so the $254 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | The Entrance cumulative | Toowoon Bay cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,920 | $10,174 | $254 |
| Year 3 | $30,662 | $31,447 | $785 |
| Year 5 | $52,667 | $54,015 | $1,348 |
| Year 10 | $113,722 | $116,634 | $2,912 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Entrance or Toowoon Bay cheaper to live in?
The Entrance is cheaper to run by car at $9,920 per year versus $10,174 for Toowoon Bay, a difference of $254 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in The Entrance and Toowoon Bay?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,454 in The Entrance (Central Coast rates (OLG) and $1,454 in Toowoon Bay (Central Coast rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in The Entrance and $1,300 in Toowoon Bay. 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 The Entrance and Toowoon Bay?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,366 from The Entrance and $4,620 from Toowoon Bay to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from The Entrance and $2,400 from Toowoon Bay.
What is the 10-year cost difference between The Entrance and Toowoon Bay?
At 3% annual cost growth, The Entrance costs a cumulative $113,722 and Toowoon Bay costs $116,634 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,912 in favour of The Entrance. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of The Entrance and Toowoon Bay 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.
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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.