Overall score
Broadbeach Waters
46.9/100
Surfers Paradise
56.4/100
Broadbeach Waters vs Surfers Paradise, QLD suburb comparison
Broadbeach Waters for retirees and families; Surfers Paradise for beach lifestyle and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Broadbeach WatersSurfers Paradise
Crime rate
Broadbeach Waters
77.9 / 1k
Surfers Paradise
98.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Broadbeach Waters
110
Surfers Paradise
1,373
Population
Broadbeach Waters
8,164
Surfers Paradise
26,412
Metric leadBroadbeach Waters 3Surfers Paradise 7across 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 familiesBroadbeach Waters
- Best for beach lifestyleSurfers Paradise
- Best for investmentSurfers Paradise
- Best for best valueSurfers Paradise
- Best for best schoolsBroadbeach Waters
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 | Surfers Paradise |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 46.9/100 | 56.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 9.4/100 | 23.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 77.9 / 1k | 98.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 71 |
| Public transport stops | 35 | 60 |
| Walkability | 36.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 110 | 1,373 |
| Population | 8,164 | 26,412 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Broadbeach Waters is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Surfers Paradise is a beachside larger suburb where the coast sets the tone. Surfers Paradise leans into coastal living, while Broadbeach Waters feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Broadbeach Waters is stronger for a quieter safety profile and stronger socioeconomic advantage; Surfers Paradise answers with housing affordability and parks and reserves.
Broadbeach Waters suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Surfers Paradise is the stronger match for people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors.