Deep Creek vs Skillion Flat: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Deep Creek and Skillion Flat are both Kempsey rates (OLG suburbs, 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.
Deep Creek
Skillion Flat
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Deep Creek | Skillion Flat | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,492 | $1,492 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $18,200 | $18,200 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $23,392 | $23,392 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $7,592 | $7,592 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Deep Creek | Skillion Flat | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,774 | $2,774 | - |
| Unit | $2,329 | $2,329 | - |
Estimated from AER residential benchmarks for each suburb's climate zone at 2026-27 regulated prices for each suburb's electricity network, including supply charge (AER Default Market Offer caps, or the QCA price in regional Queensland; unit ≈ 75% of a house). Get the free report for a breakdown by your exact number of occupants.
Cost breakdown chart
Annual cost breakdown — Deep Creek vs Skillion Flat (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Deep Creek and Skillion Flat 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, $7,592 and $7,592 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,492 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute is identical at $18,200 a year.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,400 a year.
Both suburbs sit in the same council area, so the rates line is identical and none of the difference between them comes from council. On these four costs they are identical.
The catchment state school scores 3.4 in Skillion Flat against 2 in Deep Creek, on ACARA's ICSEA percentile scaled to ten.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Deep Creek cumulative | Skillion Flat cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $23,392 | $23,392 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $72,302 | $72,302 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $124,191 | $124,191 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $268,163 | $268,163 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Deep Creek or Skillion Flat cheaper to live in?
Deep Creek is cheaper to run by car at $23,392 per year versus $23,392 for Skillion Flat, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Deep Creek and Skillion Flat?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,492 in Deep Creek (Kempsey rates (OLG) and $1,492 in Skillion Flat (Kempsey rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Deep Creek and $1,300 in Skillion Flat. 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 Deep Creek and Skillion Flat?
Deep Creek carries a flat regional driving allowance of $18,200, about 20,000 km of household driving a year, because it is more than 100 km from Sydney CBD. Skillion Flat carries a flat regional driving allowance of $18,200, about 20,000 km of household driving a year, because it is more than 100 km from Sydney CBD. Public transport costs $2,400 from Deep Creek and $2,400 from Skillion Flat.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Deep Creek and Skillion Flat?
At 3% annual cost growth, Deep Creek costs a cumulative $268,163 and Skillion Flat costs $268,163 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Deep Creek. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Deep Creek and Skillion Flat 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: Kempsey rates (OLG and Kempsey rates (OLG rate data, water utility pricing (QLD: Queensland Urban Utilities / Unitywater; NSW: Sydney Water / Hunter Water), ATO 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.