Dugandan vs Milford: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Dugandan and Milford are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 31.3 km and 27.8 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Milford runs $709 a year cheaper than Dugandan, driven mostly by home insurance. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $8,128.
Over 10 years, Milford costs about $8,100 less to run than Dugandan — the same as paying $8,100 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Milford
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Dugandan | Milford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,439 | $6,130 | +$309 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,400 | $2,000 | +$400 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,500 | - |
| Total (driving) | $12,115 | $11,406 | +$709 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,868 | $5,468 | +$400 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Dugandan | Milford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | $1,976 | $1,976 | - |
| Unit | $1,591 | $1,591 | - |
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 — Dugandan vs Milford (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Milford costs $709 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $8,128 in favour of Milford.
The biggest single gap is home insurance at $400 per year.
On public transport the gap is $400 per year, $5,868 from Dugandan versus $5,468 from Milford.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Dugandan cumulative | Milford cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,115 | $11,406 | $709 |
| Year 3 | $37,446 | $35,255 | $2,191 |
| Year 5 | $64,320 | $60,556 | $3,764 |
| Year 10 | $138,885 | $130,757 | $8,128 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dugandan or Milford cheaper to live in?
Milford is cheaper to run by car at $11,406 per year versus $12,115 for Dugandan, a difference of $709 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Dugandan and Milford?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Dugandan (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Milford (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Dugandan and $1,900 in Milford. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Dugandan and Milford?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,439 from Dugandan and $6,130 from Milford to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Dugandan and $192 from Milford.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Dugandan and Milford?
At 3% annual cost growth, Dugandan costs a cumulative $138,885 and Milford costs $130,757 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $8,128 in favour of Milford. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Dugandan and Milford 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.