Milora vs Wilsons Plains: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Milora and Wilsons Plains are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 33.5 km and 55 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Wilsons Plains runs $722 a year cheaper than Milora, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $8,277.
Over 10 years, Wilsons Plains costs about $8,300 less to run than Milora — the same as paying $8,300 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
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Wilsons Plains
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Milora | Wilsons Plains | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,580 | $5,808 | +$772 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $2,050 | $2,100 | -$50 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,500 | $1,900 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $11,906 | $11,184 | +$722 |
| Total (public transport) | $5,518 | $5,568 | -$50 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Milora | Wilsons Plains | 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 — Milora vs Wilsons Plains (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Wilsons Plains costs $722 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $8,277 in favour of Wilsons Plains.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $772 per year. Wilsons Plains is 55 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, $5,518 and $5,568 a year, so the $722 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Milora cumulative | Wilsons Plains cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $11,906 | $11,184 | $722 |
| Year 3 | $36,800 | $34,569 | $2,231 |
| Year 5 | $63,211 | $59,377 | $3,834 |
| Year 10 | $136,489 | $128,212 | $8,277 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Milora or Wilsons Plains cheaper to live in?
Wilsons Plains is cheaper to run by car at $11,184 per year versus $11,906 for Milora, a difference of $722 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/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 $6,580 from Milora and $5,808 from Wilsons Plains to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/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 $136,489 and Wilsons Plains costs $128,212 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $8,277 in favour of Wilsons Plains. 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 88c/km, and SuburbCost AI insurance estimates. Data updated July 2026.