Apple Tree Flat vs Mullamuddy: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Apple Tree Flat and Mullamuddy are both Mid-Western Regional rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 192 km and 194.9 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Mullamuddy runs $400 a year cheaper than Apple Tree Flat, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $4,585.
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 →Apple Tree Flat
Mullamuddy
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Apple Tree Flat | Mullamuddy | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,122 | $1,122 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,000 | +$400 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $22,422 | $22,022 | +$400 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,222 | $6,822 | +$400 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Apple Tree Flat | Mullamuddy | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,420 | $2,420 | - |
| Unit | $1,920 | $1,920 | - |
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 — Apple Tree Flat vs Mullamuddy (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mullamuddy costs $400 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $4,585 in favour of Mullamuddy.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $400 per year.
On public transport the gap is $400 per year, $7,222 from Apple Tree Flat versus $6,822 from Mullamuddy.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Apple Tree Flat cumulative | Mullamuddy cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $22,422 | $22,022 | $400 |
| Year 3 | $69,304 | $68,068 | $1,236 |
| Year 5 | $119,041 | $116,918 | $2,123 |
| Year 10 | $257,043 | $252,458 | $4,585 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Apple Tree Flat or Mullamuddy cheaper to live in?
Mullamuddy is cheaper to run by car at $22,022 per year versus $22,422 for Apple Tree Flat, a difference of $400 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Apple Tree Flat and Mullamuddy?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,122 in Apple Tree Flat (Mid-Western Regional rates (OLG) and $1,122 in Mullamuddy (Mid-Western Regional rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Apple Tree Flat and $1,300 in Mullamuddy. 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 Apple Tree Flat and Mullamuddy?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Apple Tree Flat and $17,600 from Mullamuddy to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Apple Tree Flat and $2,400 from Mullamuddy.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Apple Tree Flat and Mullamuddy?
At 3% annual cost growth, Apple Tree Flat costs a cumulative $257,043 and Mullamuddy costs $252,458 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $4,585 in favour of Mullamuddy. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Apple Tree Flat and Mullamuddy 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: Mid-Western Regional rates (OLG and Mid-Western Regional 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.