Dulong vs Perwillowen: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Dulong and Perwillowen are both Sunshine Coast Council suburbs, sitting 19.4 km and 16.7 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Perwillowen runs $501 a year cheaper than Dulong, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $5,744.
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 →Dulong
Perwillowen
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Dulong | Perwillowen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,771 | $1,771 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $2,094 | $2,094 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $4,966 | $4,465 | +$501 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,900 | $2,900 | - |
| Body corporate (unit) | $2,000 | $1,800 | +$200 |
| Total (driving) | $11,731 | $11,230 | +$501 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,957 | $6,957 | - |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Dulong | Perwillowen | 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 — Dulong vs Perwillowen (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Perwillowen costs $501 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $5,744 in favour of Perwillowen.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $501 per year. Dulong is 19.4 km from Brisbane CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 88c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $6,957 and $6,957 a year, so the $501 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Dulong cumulative | Perwillowen cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,731 | $11,230 | $501 |
| Year 3 | $36,259 | $34,711 | $1,548 |
| Year 5 | $62,281 | $59,622 | $2,659 |
| Year 10 | $134,483 | $128,739 | $5,744 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dulong or Perwillowen cheaper to live in?
Perwillowen is cheaper to run by car at $11,230 per year versus $11,731 for Dulong, a difference of $501 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Dulong and Perwillowen?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,771 in Dulong (Sunshine Coast Council) and $1,771 in Perwillowen (Sunshine Coast Council). Water and sewerage adds $2,094 in Dulong and $2,094 in Perwillowen. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Dulong and Perwillowen?
Annual driving commute costs are $4,966 from Dulong and $4,465 from Perwillowen to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Dulong and $192 from Perwillowen.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Dulong and Perwillowen?
At 3% annual cost growth, Dulong costs a cumulative $134,483 and Perwillowen costs $128,739 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $5,744 in favour of Perwillowen. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Dulong and Perwillowen 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: Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast 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.