Overall score
Surfers Paradise
56.3/100
Craigieburn
75.2/100
Surfers Paradise for beach lifestyle; Craigieburn for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Surfers Paradise
56.3/100
Craigieburn
75.2/100
Crime rate
Surfers Paradise
93.4 / 1k
Craigieburn
58.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Surfers Paradise
1,373
Craigieburn
918
Population
Surfers Paradise
26,412
Craigieburn
65,178
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Surfers Paradise | Craigieburn |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 56.3/100 | 75.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 23.3/100 | 81.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 93.4 / 1k | 58.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | 71 | 73 |
| Public transport stops | 60 | 231 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1,373 | 918 |
| Planning activity | — | 190 |
| Population | 26,412 | 65,178 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 4/10 |
Surfers Paradise (QLD) is a beachside larger suburb where the coast sets the tone, while Craigieburn (VIC) is an energetic metro larger suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Where Surfers Paradise is shaped by the coast, Craigieburn offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Surfers Paradise tends to lead on nearby cafés and amenities and stronger socioeconomic advantage, while Craigieburn stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. On housing, Surfers Paradise sits in a expensive band, compared with a well priced feel in Craigieburn.
People chasing a beach lifestyle may find Surfers Paradise the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Craigieburn.