Rous Mill vs Tregeagle: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates current NSW schedules, ATO 88c/km, Opal & Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Rous Mill (Ballina Shire Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 6% in) and Tregeagle (Lismore rates (OLG) attract comparison from buyers considering suburbs across different council areas at similar distances from Sydney CBD (591.7 km and 594.1 km).
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.
Rous Mill
Tregeagle
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Rous Mill | Tregeagle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,384 | $1,534 | -$150 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,300 | $1,300 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $17,600 | $17,600 | - |
| Commute (public transport) | $2,400 | $2,400 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,150 | $2,000 | +$150 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $22,434 | $22,434 | - |
| Total (public transport) | $7,234 | $7,234 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: average residential rate (NSW, IPART-uplifted).
| Dwelling | Rous Mill | Tregeagle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,098 | $2,098 | - |
| Unit | $1,679 | $1,679 | - |
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 — Rous Mill vs Tregeagle (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Rous Mill and Tregeagle 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 $150 per year.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $7,234 and $7,234 a year, so the $0 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Rous Mill cumulative | Tregeagle cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $22,434 | $22,434 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $69,341 | $69,341 | $0 |
| Year 5 | $119,105 | $119,105 | $0 |
| Year 10 | $257,181 | $257,181 | $0 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rous Mill or Tregeagle cheaper to live in?
Rous Mill is cheaper to run by car at $22,434 per year versus $22,434 for Tregeagle, a difference of $0 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Rous Mill and Tregeagle?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,384 in Rous Mill (Ballina Shire Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 6% in) and $1,534 in Tregeagle (Lismore rates (OLG). Water and sewerage adds $1,300 in Rous Mill and $1,300 in Tregeagle. 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 Rous Mill and Tregeagle?
Annual driving commute costs are $17,600 from Rous Mill and $17,600 from Tregeagle to Sydney CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $2,400 from Rous Mill and $2,400 from Tregeagle.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Rous Mill and Tregeagle?
At 3% annual cost growth, Rous Mill costs a cumulative $257,181 and Tregeagle costs $257,181 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $0 in favour of Rous Mill. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Rous Mill and Tregeagle 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: Ballina Shire Council rates (IPART approved SRV, 6% in and Lismore 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.