Mount Arthur vs Wellington: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 91c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Mount Arthur and Wellington are both Dubbo Regional rates (OLG suburbs, sitting 46 km and 46.9 km from Dubbo CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $51 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 →Mount Arthur
Wellington
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Mount Arthur | Wellington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,270 | $1,270 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,832 | $6,781 | +$51 |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,450 | $2,450 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $11,852 | $11,801 | +$51 |
| Total (public transport) | $7,420 | $7,420 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Mount Arthur | Wellington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $3,150 | $3,150 | - |
| Unit | $2,611 | $2,611 | - |
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 — Mount Arthur vs Wellington (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Mount Arthur and Wellington cost within $51 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $585, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $51 per year. Wellington is 46.9 km from Dubbo CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,420 and $7,420 a year, so the $51 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,270 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,300 a year.
- Driving commute favours Wellington by $51 a year, $6,781 against $6,832.
- Building insurance is identical at $2,450 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. What separates them is commute distance.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Mount Arthur cumulative | Wellington cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,852 | $11,801 | $51 |
| Year 3 | $36,633 | $36,476 | $157 |
| Year 5 | $62,924 | $62,653 | $271 |
| Year 10 | $135,870 | $135,285 | $585 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Arthur or Wellington cheaper to live in?
Wellington is cheaper to run by car at $11,801 per year versus $11,852 for Mount Arthur, a difference of $51 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Mount Arthur and Wellington?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,270 in Mount Arthur (Dubbo Regional rates (OLG) and $1,270 in Wellington (Dubbo Regional rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Mount Arthur and $1,300 in Wellington. 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 Mount Arthur and Wellington?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,832 from Mount Arthur and $6,781 from Wellington to Dubbo CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Mount Arthur and $2,400 from Wellington.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Mount Arthur and Wellington?
At 3% annual cost growth, Mount Arthur costs a cumulative $135,870 and Wellington costs $135,285 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $585 in favour of Wellington. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Mount Arthur and Wellington 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: 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 91c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.