Anthony vs Milbong: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Anthony and Milbong are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 31.9 km and 28.1 km from Ipswich CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $132 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 →Anthony
Milbong
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Anthony | Milbong | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,702 | $6,370 | +$332 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,000 | $3,200 | -$200 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,400 | +$100 |
| Total (driving) | $12,978 | $12,846 | +$132 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,468 | $6,668 | -$200 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Anthony | Milbong | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $2,135 | $2,135 | - |
| Unit | $1,776 | $1,776 | - |
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 — Anthony vs Milbong (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Anthony and Milbong cost within $132 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $1,513, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $332 per year. Anthony is 31.9 km from Ipswich CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the gap is $200 per year, $6,468 from Anthony versus $6,668 from Milbong.
Where the difference actually comes from
- Council rates is identical at $1,376 a year.
- Water and sewerage is identical at $1,900 a year.
- Driving commute favours Milbong by $332 a year, $6,370 against $6,702.
- Building insurance favours Anthony by $200 a year, $3,000 against $3,200.
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 and the insurance band.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Anthony cumulative | Milbong cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,978 | $12,846 | $132 |
| Year 3 | $40,114 | $39,706 | $408 |
| Year 5 | $68,902 | $68,201 | $701 |
| Year 10 | $148,778 | $147,265 | $1,513 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anthony or Milbong cheaper to live in?
Milbong is cheaper to run by car at $12,846 per year versus $12,978 for Anthony, a difference of $132 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Anthony and Milbong?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Anthony (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Milbong (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Anthony and $1,900 in Milbong. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Anthony and Milbong?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,702 from Anthony and $6,370 from Milbong to Ipswich CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Anthony and $192 from Milbong.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Anthony and Milbong?
At 3% annual cost growth, Anthony costs a cumulative $148,778 and Milbong costs $147,265 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $1,513 in favour of Milbong. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Anthony and Milbong 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.
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Sources: Scenic Rim Regional Council and Scenic Rim Regional Council 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.