Overall score
Cairns City
56.5/100
Mission Beach
49.1/100
Cairns City vs Mission Beach, QLD suburb comparison
Cairns City for beach lifestyle and schools; Mission Beach for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Cairns CityMission Beach
Crime rate
Cairns City
145.8 / 1k
Mission Beach
13.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cairns City
799
Mission Beach
106
Population
Cairns City
3,616
Mission Beach
1,014
Metric leadCairns City 6Mission Beach 2across 8 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMission Beach
- Best for familiesMission Beach
- Best for beach lifestyleCairns City
- Best for investmentMission Beach
- 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 | Cairns City | Mission Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 56.5/100 | 49.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 10.6/100 | 16.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 145.8 / 1k | 13.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability | 95.5/100 | 31.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 799 | 106 |
| Population | 3,616 | 1,014 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Cairns City is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, while Mission Beach is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience. Where Cairns City is shaped by the coast, Mission Beach offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Cairns City pulls ahead on parks and reserves and walkability, whereas Mission Beach is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. On housing, Cairns City sits in a well priced band, compared with a expensive feel in Mission Beach.
Cairns City suits people chasing a beach lifestyle and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Mission Beach is the stronger match for retirees and families.