Overall score
Coolangatta
45.8/100
Currumbin Waters
63.2/100
Coolangatta vs Currumbin Waters, QLD suburb comparison
Coolangatta for beach lifestyle; Currumbin Waters for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CoolangattaCurrumbin Waters
Crime rate
Coolangatta
108.7 / 1k
Currumbin Waters
25.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Coolangatta
420
Currumbin Waters
100
Population
Coolangatta
6,491
Currumbin Waters
9,797
Metric leadCoolangatta 3Currumbin Waters 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 retireesCurrumbin Waters
- Best for familiesCurrumbin Waters
- Best for beach lifestyleCoolangatta
- Best for investmentCurrumbin Waters
- Best for best valueCurrumbin Waters
- Best for best schoolsCurrumbin 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 | Coolangatta | Currumbin Waters |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.8/100 | 63.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 26.6/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 108.7 / 1k | 25.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 35 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 12 | 34 |
| Walkability | 88.0/100 | 86.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 420 | 100 |
| Population | 6,491 | 9,797 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Coolangatta reads as a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living; Currumbin Waters is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Coolangatta leans into coastal living, while Currumbin Waters feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Coolangatta is stronger for parks and reserves and walkability; Currumbin Waters answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Coolangatta suits people chasing a beach lifestyle more clearly, whereas Currumbin Waters is the stronger match for retirees and families.