Overall score
Broadbeach
50.8/100
Mermaid Waters
44.5/100
Broadbeach for retirees and families; Mermaid Waters for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Broadbeach
50.8/100
Mermaid Waters
44.5/100
Crime rate
Broadbeach
127.8 / 1k
Mermaid Waters
127.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Broadbeach
581
Mermaid Waters
303
Population
Broadbeach
6,786
Mermaid Waters
13,088
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 | Broadbeach | Mermaid Waters |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 50.8/100 | 44.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 42.3/100 | 49.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 127.8 / 1k | 127.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 2 |
| Weather (desirability) | 33.9/100 | 33.9/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 26 | 61 |
| Public transport stops | 27 | 50 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 80.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 581 | 303 |
| Green cover | 20.0% | 4.6% |
| Population | 6,786 | 13,088 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Broadbeach reads as a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone; Mermaid Waters is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby. Broadbeach leans into coastal living, while Mermaid Waters feels more inland and suburban in character.
Broadbeach pulls ahead on walkability, plus nearby cafés and amenities, whereas Mermaid Waters is the better pick for housing affordability, a quieter safety profile, and schools and education options.
Families, people chasing a beach lifestyle, and households prioritising schools may find Broadbeach the better fit, while retirees, investors, and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Mermaid Waters.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.