Overall score
Coombabah
45.6/100
Runaway Bay
50.8/100
Coombabah vs Runaway Bay, QLD suburb comparison
Coombabah for investment and value; Runaway Bay for retirees and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CoombabahRunaway Bay
Crime rate
Coombabah
34.2 / 1k
Runaway Bay
34.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Coombabah
45
Runaway Bay
236
Population
Coombabah
10,298
Runaway Bay
9,308
Metric leadCoombabah 3Runaway Bay 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 retireesRunaway Bay
- Best for investmentCoombabah
- Best for best valueCoombabah
- Best for best schoolsRunaway Bay
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 | Coombabah | Runaway Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.6/100 | 50.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 14.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 34.2 / 1k | 34.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 12 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 30 | 34 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 82.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 45 | 236 |
| Population | 10,298 | 9,308 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Coombabah reads as an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap; Runaway Bay is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Coombabah tends to lead on housing affordability and schools and education options, while Runaway Bay stands out for public transport access and walkability. On housing, Coombabah sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Runaway Bay.
Families and investors may find Coombabah the better fit, while retirees are more likely to prefer Runaway Bay.