Overall score
Cottesloe
65.3/100
Scarborough
65.9/100
Cottesloe vs Scarborough, WA suburb comparison
Cottesloe for retirees; Scarborough for beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CottesloeScarborough
Crime rate
Cottesloe
1493.6 / 1k
Scarborough
578.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cottesloe
795
Scarborough
213
Population
Cottesloe
7,750
Scarborough
17,605
Metric leadCottesloe 2Scarborough 62 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 retireesCottesloe
- Best for beach lifestyleScarborough
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 | Cottesloe | Scarborough |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 65.3/100 | 65.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 52.4/100 | 55.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 1493.6 / 1k | 578.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 40 | 68 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 85.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 795 | 213 |
| Planning activity | — | 1 |
| Population | 7,750 | 17,605 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Cottesloe is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, and Scarborough is a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm.
On the data, Cottesloe is stronger for walkability and nearby cafés and amenities; Scarborough answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Cottesloe suits retirees more clearly, whereas Scarborough is the stronger match for people chasing a beach lifestyle and households prioritising schools.