True annual cost of living in Lucas Heights, NSW 2234
Living in a house in Lucas Heights costs about $11,924 a year: council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance combined. Lucas Heights sits 28.6 kilometres from Sydney CBD. Unit costs reach $12,064, with the $2,100 body corporate levy accounting for the entire difference between the two. At 28.6km from the CBD, transport mode shifts the annual total by $3,809. The gap widens as commute costs rise.
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for Lucas Heights's climate zone at 2025 rates. Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Lucas Heights to the CBD?
Public transport saves Lucas Heights residents $3,809 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $6,209 versus $2,400 by public transport using the Opal network.
What are the council rates in Lucas Heights?
Lucas Heights falls under Sutherland Council. The average residential rate for 2026-27 is $1,617 per year for an owner-occupied house, based on OLG data uplifted by the council's IPART rate peg. Individual properties pay more or less depending on land value. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,617 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Lucas Heights?
Running a unit in Lucas Heights costs approximately $12,064 per year by car or $8,255 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,617, water and sewerage $1,548, estimated body corporate levy of $2,100, and contents insurance of $590. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings. Always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.
Your report is opening in a new tab. Check your inbox if it doesn't appear within a minute.
Data sources: Council rates: Sutherland rates (OLG 2024-25 + IPART 2026-27 peg). Water: Sydney Water 2026-27. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2025–26 (88c/km). Insurance: AI-estimated, disclosed as estimate. Schools: ACARA ICSEA 2025. Risk: Fire: NSW RFS Bush Fire Prone Land. Flood: modelled from 30m elevation (topographic). Data updated 2026-07. Cost estimates are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute financial, insurance, or credit advice.