Cudgen vs Duranbah.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $1,170,000 and $2,400,000.
Cudgen (median $1,170,000) is roughly 51% cheaper to buy into than Duranbah ($2,400,000).
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Duranbah (1030) sits above Cudgen (1002).
For buyers
Cudgen is the lower entry point at $1,170,000 median, 51% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
For investors
Cudgen offers the higher gross rental yield (6.21% vs 3.03%), favouring cash-flow investors.
For families
Duranbah edges out on average school ICSEA (1030 vs 1002). Cudgen also has a higher family-household share (81% vs 71%), so the catchment community skews family-heavy.
Common questions
Is Cudgen or Duranbah cheaper to buy in?
Cudgen has the lower median house price at $1,170,000, roughly 51% below Duranbah ($2,400,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Cudgen or Duranbah have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Duranbah scores 1030 vs 1002 in Cudgen. ICSEA is a school-community indicator, not a quality rating, so always check NAPLAN results and catchment boundaries for the specific address you're considering.
Which suburb has higher rental yield, Cudgen or Duranbah?
Gross rental yield on houses is 6.21% in Cudgen vs 3.03% in Duranbah. Gross yield equals annual rent divided by purchase price. Net yield (after strata, rates, insurance, agent fees and maintenance) typically runs 1.5-2 percentage points lower.
The numbers behind the take
Price & Market
Rental
Lifestyle & Demographics
Risk & Hazard
Schools
Climate
Green dot = better on that metric (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk).
Compare Cudgen against another suburb