Marshall Mount vs Tullimbar: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Marshall Mount (Wollongong rates (OLG) and Tullimbar (Shellharbour rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (86.9 km and 89.6 km).
The two sit within $164 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 →Marshall Mount
Tullimbar
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Marshall Mount | Tullimbar | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,819 | $1,865 | -$46 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,548 | $1,548 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $3,796 | $3,914 | -$118 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,450 | $2,450 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,800 | $1,800 | - |
| Total (driving) | $9,613 | $9,777 | -$164 |
| Total (public transport) | $8,217 | $8,263 | -$46 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Marshall Mount | Tullimbar | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,442 | $2,442 | - |
| Unit | $2,001 | $2,001 | - |
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 — Marshall Mount vs Tullimbar (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Marshall Mount and Tullimbar cost within $164 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,880, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $118 per year. Tullimbar is 89.6 km from Sydney CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $8,217 and $8,263 a year, so the $164 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates favours Marshall Mount by $46 a year, $1,819 against $1,865.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,548 a year.
- Driving commute favours Marshall Mount by $118 a year, $3,796 against $3,914.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,450 a year.
They sit in different council areas, so the rates line is set by two different councils. For NSW that figure is the average residential rate reported to the Office of Local Government, uplifted by that council's IPART rate peg.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Marshall Mount cumulative | Tullimbar cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $9,613 | $9,777 | $164 |
| Year 3 | $29,713 | $30,220 | $507 |
| Year 5 | $51,037 | $51,907 | $870 |
| Year 10 | $110,202 | $112,082 | $1,880 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Marshall Mount or Tullimbar cheaper to live in?
Marshall Mount is cheaper to run by car at $9,613 per year versus $9,777 for Tullimbar, a difference of $164 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Marshall Mount and Tullimbar?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,819 in Marshall Mount (Wollongong rates (OLG) and $1,865 in Tullimbar (Shellharbour rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,548 in Marshall Mount and $1,548 in Tullimbar. 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 Marshall Mount and Tullimbar?
Annual driving commute costs are $3,796 from Marshall Mount and $3,914 from Tullimbar to Sydney CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Marshall Mount and $2,400 from Tullimbar.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Marshall Mount and Tullimbar?
At 3% annual cost growth, Marshall Mount costs a cumulative $110,202 and Tullimbar costs $112,082 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,880 in favour of Marshall Mount. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Marshall Mount and Tullimbar 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: Wollongong rates (OLG and Shellharbour 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.