Munbilla vs Radford: true annual running costs compared (2026)
Last updated July 2026 · council rates 2026-27 (QLD), ATO 88c/km, Translink fares, AER electricity benchmarks
Munbilla and Radford are both Scenic Rim Regional Council suburbs, sitting 35.3 km and 57.2 km from Brisbane CBD respectively, and are commonly compared by buyers weighing up running costs within the same council area.
Radford runs $1,256 a year cheaper than Munbilla, driven mostly by the commute. Over 10 years at 3% growth that gap compounds to about $14,398.
Over 10 years, Radford costs about $14,400 less to run than Munbilla — the same as paying $14,400 less for the home. It's the cost no listing shows you.
Get the free report: 10-year costs, flood & fire risk, crime, schools and overall verdict →Munbilla
Radford
Annual cost breakdown
| Category | Munbilla | Radford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,376 | $1,376 | - |
| Water & sewerage | $1,900 | $1,900 | - |
| Commute (driving) | $6,665 | $5,509 | +$1,156 |
| Commute (public transport) | $192 | $192 | - |
| Home insurance | $3,100 | $3,000 | +$100 |
| Body corporate (unit) | $1,400 | $1,800 | -$400 |
| Total (driving) | $13,041 | $11,785 | +$1,256 |
| Total (public transport) | $6,568 | $6,468 | +$100 |
Green = cheaper. Commute: ATO 88c/km, 220 working days. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary. Council rates: minimum residential general rate (QLD).
| Dwelling | Munbilla | Radford | 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 — Munbilla vs Radford (2026-27)
What the numbers show
Radford costs $1,256 less per year to run by car. Held over ten years at 3% annual cost growth, that gap compounds to $14,398 in favour of Radford.
The biggest single gap is commute costs at $1,156 per year. Radford is 57.2 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, $6,568 and $6,468 a year, so the $1,256 driving gap nearly closes if you commute by public transport.
10-year cumulative cost projection
| Year | Munbilla cumulative | Radford cumulative | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $13,041 | $11,785 | $1,256 |
| Year 3 | $40,308 | $36,426 | $3,882 |
| Year 5 | $69,236 | $62,568 | $6,668 |
| Year 10 | $149,500 | $135,102 | $14,398 |
Assumes 3% annual cost growth. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is Munbilla or Radford cheaper to live in?
Radford is cheaper to run by car at $11,785 per year versus $13,041 for Munbilla, a difference of $1,256 annually. Figures cover council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2026 data.
What are council rates in Munbilla and Radford?
Annual council rates for a house are $1,376 in Munbilla (Scenic Rim Regional Council) and $1,376 in Radford (Scenic Rim Regional Council). Water and sewerage adds $1,900 in Munbilla and $1,900 in Radford. Both figures are the minimum residential general rate; properties on higher land value pay more.
How does the commute cost compare between Munbilla and Radford?
Annual driving commute costs are $6,665 from Munbilla and $5,509 from Radford to Brisbane CBD (ATO 88c/km). Public transport costs $192 from Munbilla and $192 from Radford.
What is the 10-year cost difference between Munbilla and Radford?
At 3% annual cost growth, Munbilla costs a cumulative $149,500 and Radford costs $135,102 over 10 years by car. The cumulative difference is $14,398 in favour of Radford. Excludes purchase price, mortgage, and personal expenses.
Which of Munbilla and Radford 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.