Overall score
Margate
57.4/100
Scarborough
57.0/100
Margate vs Scarborough, QLD suburb comparison
Margate for investment and value; Scarborough for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
MargateScarborough
Crime rate
Margate
53.0 / 1k
Scarborough
46.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Margate
143
Scarborough
249
Population
Margate
7,575
Scarborough
9,178
Metric leadMargate 3Scarborough 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 retireesScarborough
- Best for investmentMargate
- Best for best valueMargate
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 | Margate | Scarborough |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 57.4/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 83.8/100 | 67.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 53.0 / 1k | 46.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 26 | 42 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 71.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 143 | 249 |
| Population | 7,575 | 9,178 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Margate is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living, and Scarborough is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone.
Margate pulls ahead on housing affordability, whereas Scarborough is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options. Margate generally means more approachable housing costs, while Scarborough leans toward more sought-after housing.
Margate suits investors and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Scarborough is the stronger match for retirees and families.