Overall score
Manly
71.3/100
Scarborough
65.9/100
Manly vs Scarborough suburb comparison (NSW vs WA)
Manly for retirees and families; Scarborough for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ManlyScarborough
Crime rate
Manly
76.2 / 1k
Scarborough
578.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Manly
782
Scarborough
213
Population
Manly
16,296
Scarborough
17,605
Metric leadManly 6Scarborough 41 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesManly
- Best for familiesManly
- Best for beach lifestyleManly
- Best for investmentScarborough
- Best for best valueScarborough
- Best for best schoolsManly
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 | Manly | Scarborough |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.3/100 | 65.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 21.8/100 | 55.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 76.2 / 1k | 578.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | 12 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 128 | 68 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 85.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 782 | 213 |
| Planning activity | 67 | 1 |
| Population | 16,296 | 17,605 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Across states, Manly is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone, whereas Scarborough is a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm.
Manly tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and schools and education options, while Scarborough stands out for housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook.
Choose Manly if you are weighing families and people chasing a beach lifestyle; lean toward Scarborough for investors and value-focused buyers.