But even as back-to-school ads form the soundtrack to lives, a Junee parents believes the town may be bucking the national trend.

With one daughter in lower primary at an independent school, and the other due to begin next year, Melissa Smith is beginning to the count the cost of education.

“We looked into what it would cost to send her to another Catholic school in Albion Park, that’s where my niece goes,” Ms Smith said.

“It was a great deal more, we’re paying about half the price here.

“In Wagga, the price varies greatly too. It’s social economics and population catchment, more people means they can drive up the price and people will still come.”

For children starting at a public school in regional NSW this year, the ASG Planning for Education Index estimates it will cost $73,808 by the time they finish year 12.

Nationally, it comes to $57,994. In Sydney, parents will be paying $66,470 by the end of the 13 years.

Data takes an average of costs associated with fees, extra curriculum tuition, excursions, camps, uniforms, supplies (including connected devices), transport, sport, and musical instruments.

The contrast in regional Australia remains sharp for parents – like Ms Smith – who choose to send their children to Catholic schools too. 

Over 13 years, the total comes to $112,248 compared to $109,877 in metropolitan areas. 

Similarly for private schools it is $203,654 compared to $201,210. 

The ASG estimates that the figures have doubled the rate of inflation over the past decade.

But Ms Smith points out that the data does not take into account the regular costs of living, which are generally much lower in regional areas.

“I think it’s just life, I just think kids are expensive,” she said.

"A lot of things are cheaper in the city, but rural is not always dearer. The living costs, house prices, even the rates are cheaper. But then there are also [fewer] work opportunities.

“When you factor in all your daily costs, it’s definitely cheaper to live here. In Sydney, you need a double income just to afford your house.”

One of the bigger concerns for parents in rural towns is the cost of transporting their children to school. 

Unlike in Sydney, where public transport is more accessible, the rebate system in regional Australia does rely on parents being able to pay up front for travel costs, before they can receive assistance.

“We live 14km away, so it’s free for us to send them via public transport,” said Ms Smith.

“I know for some farm kids, their parents have to drive them to a certain point so that they can catch the bus, but there are programs where you can claim back your kilometres.”

Having moved from Wollongong 12 years ago, Ms Smith has seen the evolution of living costs in town, but worries others may not have noticed the incremental cost increase.

“People who have only ever lived here know only these prices, so the perception is that as things rise, life here gets more expensive,” she said.

“But it’s getting expensive everywhere and it’s going up a lot more than it is here.”