Apsley vs Mount Arthur: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Apsley and Mount Arthur are both Dubbo Regional rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 253.3 km and 256.9 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.
Apsley
Mount Arthur
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Apsley | Mount Arthur | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,270 | $1,270 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,450 | $2,450 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $22,620 | $22,620 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $7,420 | $7,420 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Apsley | Mount Arthur | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,453 | $2,453 | - |
| Unit | $1,944 | $1,944 | - |
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 — Apsley vs Mount Arthur (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Apsley and Mount Arthur 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, $7,420 and $7,420 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Apsley cumulative | Mount Arthur cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $22,620 | $22,620 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $69,916 | $69,916 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $120,093 | $120,093 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $259,313 | $259,313 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Apsley or Mount Arthur cheaper to live in?
Apsley is cheaper to run by car at $22,620 per year versus $22,620 for Mount Arthur, 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 Apsley and Mount Arthur?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,270 in Apsley (Dubbo Regional rates (OLG) and $1,270 in Mount Arthur (Dubbo Regional rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Apsley and $1,300 in Mount Arthur. 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 Apsley and Mount Arthur?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Apsley and $17,600 from Mount Arthur to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Apsley and $2,400 from Mount Arthur.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Apsley and Mount Arthur?
At 3% annual cost growth, Apsley costs a cumulative $259,313 and Mount Arthur costs $259,313 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Apsley. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Apsley and Mount Arthur 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: Dubbo Regional rates (OLG and Dubbo 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.