Overall score
Margate
43.9/100
Scarborough
41.3/100
Margate vs Scarborough, QLD Suburb Comparison
Margate for retirees and investment; Scarborough for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
MargateScarborough
Crime rate
Margate
88.5 / 1k
Scarborough
74.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Margate
150
Scarborough
256
Population
Margate
7,575
Scarborough
9,178
Metric leadMargate 4Scarborough 71 tiedacross 12 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMargate
- Best for familiesScarborough
- Best for investmentMargate
- Best for best valueMargate
- Best for best schoolsScarborough
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 | 43.9/100 | 41.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 78.9/100 | 70.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 88.5 / 1k | 74.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 3 |
| Weather (desirability) | 31.2/100 | 31.2/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 26 | 42 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 71.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 150 | 256 |
| Green cover | 4.7% | 3.0% |
| 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, schools and education options, and overall desirability, whereas Scarborough is the better pick for a quieter safety profile, parks and reserves, and public transport access.
Margate suits investors and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Scarborough is the stronger match for retirees and families.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.