Overall score
Darwin City
63.9/100
Cairns City
56.3/100
Darwin City vs Cairns City suburb comparison (NT vs QLD)
Darwin City for retirees; Cairns City for beach lifestyle and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Darwin CityCairns City
Crime rate
Darwin City
—
Cairns City
140.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Darwin City
607
Cairns City
799
Population
Darwin City
7,149
Cairns City
3,616
Metric leadDarwin City 4Cairns City 4across 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 retireesDarwin City
- Best for beach lifestyleCairns City
- Best for investmentCairns City
- 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 | Darwin City | Cairns City |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 63.9/100 | 56.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 3.6/100 | 10.6/100 |
| Crime rate | — | 140.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 14 | — |
| Walkability | 91.0/100 | 95.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 607 | 799 |
| Population | 7,149 | 3,616 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
Darwin City (NT) is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Cairns City (QLD) is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Cairns City leans into coastal living, while Darwin City feels more inland and suburban in character.
Darwin City pulls ahead on parks and reserves and overall desirability, whereas Cairns City is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Darwin City generally means more sought-after housing, while Cairns City leans toward more mid-market housing value.
Choose Darwin City if you are weighing retirees; lean toward Cairns City for people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors.