Overall score
Buderim
77.2/100
Maroochydore
71.4/100
Buderim vs Maroochydore, QLD suburb comparison
Buderim for retirees and families; Maroochydore for beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BuderimMaroochydore
Crime rate
Buderim
13.5 / 1k
Maroochydore
73.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Buderim
142
Maroochydore
539
Population
Buderim
31,430
Maroochydore
20,629
Metric leadBuderim 6Maroochydore 4across 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 retireesBuderim
- Best for familiesBuderim
- Best for beach lifestyleMaroochydore
- Best for investmentBuderim
- Best for best valueBuderim
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 | Buderim | Maroochydore |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 77.2/100 | 71.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 53.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 13.5 / 1k | 73.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 59 | 63 |
| Public transport stops | 78 | 59 |
| Walkability | 84.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 142 | 539 |
| Population | 31,430 | 20,629 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Buderim is an energetic metro larger suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Maroochydore is a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Maroochydore leans into coastal living, while Buderim feels more inland and suburban in character.
Buderim tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Maroochydore stands out for schools and education options and parks and reserves.
Choose Buderim if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Maroochydore for people chasing a beach lifestyle.