Overall score
Byron Bay
56.3/100
Cairns City
56.5/100
Byron Bay vs Cairns City suburb comparison (NSW vs QLD)
Byron Bay for investment and value; Cairns City for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Byron BayCairns City
Crime rate
Byron Bay
117.1 / 1k
Cairns City
145.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Byron Bay
334
Cairns City
799
Population
Byron Bay
6,330
Cairns City
3,616
Metric leadByron Bay 5Cairns City 31 tiedacross 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for familiesCairns City
- Best for investmentByron Bay
- Best for best valueByron Bay
- Best for best schoolsCairns City
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 | Byron Bay | Cairns City |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 56.3/100 | 56.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 18.2/100 | 10.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 117.1 / 1k | 145.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 119 | — |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 95.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 334 | 799 |
| Planning activity | 103 | — |
| Population | 6,330 | 3,616 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
Across states, Byron Bay is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, whereas Cairns City is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Byron Bay sits on a more distant stretch of coast, whereas Cairns City is further into the wider countryside.
Byron Bay pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Cairns City is the better pick for nearby cafés and amenities. On housing, Byron Bay sits in a expensive band, compared with a well priced feel in Cairns City.
People chasing a beach lifestyle and investors may find Byron Bay the better fit, while families and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Cairns City.