Katoomba vs Medlow Bath: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Katoomba and Medlow Bath are both Blue Mountains rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 85.3 km and 86.4 km from Sydney CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $47 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.
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 →Katoomba
Medlow Bath
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Katoomba | Medlow Bath | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $2,157 | $2,157 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,603 | $3,650 | -$47 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,708 | $9,755 | -$47 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,505 | $8,505 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Katoomba | Medlow Bath | 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 — Katoomba vs Medlow Bath (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Katoomba and Medlow Bath cost within $47 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $539, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $47 per year. Medlow Bath is 86.4 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,505 and $8,505 a year, so the $47 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Katoomba cumulative | Medlow Bath cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,708 | $9,755 | $47 |
| Year 3 | $30,006 | $30,152 | $146 |
| Year 5 | $51,541 | $51,791 | $250 |
| Year 10 | $111,291 | $111,830 | $539 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Katoomba or Medlow Bath cheaper to live in?
Katoomba is cheaper to run by car at $9,708 per year versus $9,755 for Medlow Bath, a difference of $47 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Katoomba and Medlow Bath?
Annual council rates for a house are $2,157 in Katoomba (Blue Mountains rates (OLG) and $2,157 in Medlow Bath (Blue Mountains rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Katoomba and $1,548 in Medlow Bath. 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 Katoomba and Medlow Bath?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,603 from Katoomba and $3,650 from Medlow Bath to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Katoomba and $2,400 from Medlow Bath.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Katoomba and Medlow Bath?
At 3% annual cost growth, Katoomba costs a cumulative $111,291 and Medlow Bath costs $111,830 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $539 in favour of Katoomba. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Katoomba and Medlow Bath 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: Blue Mountains rates (OLG and Blue Mountains 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.