Overall score
Broadbeach Waters
46.9/100
Mermaid Beach
57.7/100
Broadbeach Waters vs Mermaid Beach, QLD suburb comparison
Broadbeach Waters for retirees; Mermaid Beach for families and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Broadbeach WatersMermaid Beach
Crime rate
Broadbeach Waters
77.9 / 1k
Mermaid Beach
77.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Broadbeach Waters
110
Mermaid Beach
792
Population
Broadbeach Waters
8,164
Mermaid Beach
7,329
Metric leadBroadbeach Waters 3Mermaid Beach 61 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 retireesBroadbeach Waters
- Best for familiesMermaid Beach
- Best for beach lifestyleMermaid Beach
- Best for investmentMermaid Beach
- Best for best valueMermaid Beach
- Best for best schoolsMermaid Beach
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 Waters | Mermaid Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 46.9/100 | 57.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 9.4/100 | 33.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 77.9 / 1k | 77.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 30 |
| Public transport stops | 35 | 5 |
| Walkability | 36.0/100 | 77.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 110 | 792 |
| Population | 8,164 | 7,329 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Broadbeach Waters reads as an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap; Mermaid Beach is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Mermaid Beach leans into coastal living, while Broadbeach Waters feels more inland and suburban in character.
Broadbeach Waters tends to lead on public transport access and a larger local community, while Mermaid Beach stands out for housing affordability and parks and reserves.
Retirees and families may find Broadbeach Waters the better fit, while people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors are more likely to prefer Mermaid Beach.