Frog Rock vs Stony Creek: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Frog Rock and Stony Creek are both Mid-Western Regional 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.
Frog Rock
Stony Creek
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Frog Rock | Stony Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,122 | $1,122 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $18,200 | $18,200 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,000 | $2,000 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $22,622 | $22,622 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $6,822 | $6,822 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Frog Rock | Stony Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $3,115 | $3,115 | - |
| Unit | $2,585 | $2,585 | - |
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 — Frog Rock vs Stony Creek (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Frog Rock and Stony Creek 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, $6,822 and $6,822 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 $1,122 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 $2,000 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.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Frog Rock cumulative | Stony Creek cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $22,622 | $22,622 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $69,922 | $69,922 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $120,103 | $120,103 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $259,336 | $259,336 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Frog Rock or Stony Creek cheaper to live in?
Frog Rock is cheaper to run by car at $22,622 per year versus $22,622 for Stony Creek, 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 Frog Rock and Stony Creek?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,122 in Frog Rock (Mid-Western Regional rates (OLG) and $1,122 in Stony Creek (Mid-Western Regional rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Frog Rock and $1,300 in Stony Creek. 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 Frog Rock and Stony Creek?
Frog Rock 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. Stony 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. Public transport costs $2,400 from Frog Rock and $2,400 from Stony Creek.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Frog Rock and Stony Creek?
At 3% annual cost growth, Frog Rock costs a cumulative $259,336 and Stony Creek costs $259,336 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Frog Rock. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Frog Rock and Stony Creek 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.