Milora vs Wilsons Plains: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 91c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Milora and Wilsons Plains are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 33.5 km and 37 km from Beaudesert CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
The two sit within $195 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 →Milora
Wilsons Plains
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Milora | Wilsons Plains | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,804 | $6,949 | -$145 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,050 | $2,100 | -$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,900 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $12,130 | $12,325 | -$195 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,518 | $5,568 | -$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 91c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Milora | Wilsons Plains | 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 — Milora vs Wilsons Plains (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Milora and Wilsons Plains cost within $195 of each other annually by car. Over ten years with 3% annual growth the gap reaches roughly $2,235, making running cost a minor factor in the decision.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $145 per year. Wilsons Plains is 37 km from Beaudesert CBD, which drives higher annual driving costs at the ATO rate of 91c/km.
On public transport the two suburbs cost almost the same, $5,518 and $5,568 a year, so the $195 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
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 Milora by $145 a year, $6,804 against $6,949.
- Building insurance favours Milora by $50 a year, $2,050 against $2,100.
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 | Milora cumulative | Wilsons Plains cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $12,130 | $12,325 | $195 |
| Year 3 | $37,493 | $38,095 | $602 |
| Year 5 | $64,400 | $65,435 | $1,035 |
| Year 10 | $139,057 | $141,292 | $2,235 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Milora or Wilsons Plains cheaper to live in?
Milora is cheaper to run by car at $12,130 per year versus $12,325 for Wilsons Plains, a difference of $195 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 91c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Milora and Wilsons Plains?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Milora (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Wilsons Plains (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Milora and $1,900 in Wilsons Plains. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Milora and Wilsons Plains?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,804 from Milora and $6,949 from Wilsons Plains to Beaudesert CBD (ATO 91c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Milora and $192 from Wilsons Plains.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Milora and Wilsons Plains?
At 3% annual cost growth, Milora costs a cumulative $139,057 and Wilsons Plains costs $141,292 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $2,235 in favour of Milora. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Milora and Wilsons Plains 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: 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.