Overall score
Maroochydore
71.4/100
Mooloolaba
64.3/100
Maroochydore vs Mooloolaba, QLD suburb comparison
Maroochydore for beach lifestyle and investment; Mooloolaba for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
MaroochydoreMooloolaba
Crime rate
Maroochydore
73.7 / 1k
Mooloolaba
28.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Maroochydore
539
Mooloolaba
221
Population
Maroochydore
20,629
Mooloolaba
8,202
Metric leadMaroochydore 7Mooloolaba 21 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 retireesMooloolaba
- Best for beach lifestyleMaroochydore
- Best for investmentMaroochydore
- Best for best valueMaroochydore
- Best for best schoolsMaroochydore
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 | Maroochydore | Mooloolaba |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.4/100 | 64.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 53.8/100 | 38.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 73.7 / 1k | 28.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 63 | 24 |
| Public transport stops | 59 | 31 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 539 | 221 |
| Population | 20,629 | 8,202 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Maroochydore is a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm, and Mooloolaba is a coastal established suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living.
Maroochydore pulls ahead on housing affordability and schools and education options, whereas Mooloolaba is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and stronger socioeconomic advantage.
Choose Maroochydore if you are weighing people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors; lean toward Mooloolaba for retirees.