Overall score
Benowa
55.0/100
Surfers Paradise
56.4/100
Benowa for retirees and families; Surfers Paradise for beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Benowa
55.0/100
Surfers Paradise
56.4/100
Crime rate
Benowa
98.1 / 1k
Surfers Paradise
98.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Benowa
151
Surfers Paradise
1,373
Population
Benowa
9,889
Surfers Paradise
26,412
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Benowa | Surfers Paradise |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 55.0/100 | 56.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 30.2/100 | 23.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 98.1 / 1k | 98.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 15 | 71 |
| Public transport stops | 17 | 60 |
| Walkability | 64.5/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 151 | 1,373 |
| Population | 9,889 | 26,412 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 6/10 |
Put side by side, Benowa is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, and Surfers Paradise is a beachside larger suburb where the coast sets the tone. Where Surfers Paradise is shaped by the coast, Benowa offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Benowa is stronger for housing affordability and schools and education options; Surfers Paradise answers with parks and reserves and public transport access.
Choose Benowa if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Surfers Paradise for people chasing a beach lifestyle.