Overall score
Broadbeach
51.6/100
Mermaid Waters
56.3/100
Broadbeach vs Mermaid Waters, QLD suburb comparison
Broadbeach for families and beach lifestyle; Mermaid Waters for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BroadbeachMermaid Waters
Crime rate
Broadbeach
80.5 / 1k
Mermaid Waters
80.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Broadbeach
575
Mermaid Waters
300
Population
Broadbeach
6,786
Mermaid Waters
13,088
Metric leadBroadbeach 2Mermaid Waters 71 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMermaid Waters
- Best for familiesBroadbeach
- Best for beach lifestyleBroadbeach
- Best for investmentMermaid Waters
- Best for best valueMermaid Waters
- Best for best schoolsBroadbeach
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Broadbeach | Mermaid Waters |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 51.6/100 | 56.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 10.6/100 | 31.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 80.5 / 1k | 80.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 26 | 61 |
| Public transport stops | 27 | 50 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 80.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 575 | 300 |
| Population | 6,786 | 13,088 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
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 and nearby cafés and amenities, whereas Mermaid Waters is the better pick for housing affordability and schools and education options.
Families and people chasing a beach lifestyle may find Broadbeach the better fit, while retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Mermaid Waters.