Overall score
Aroona
48.6/100
Caloundra
61.7/100
Aroona for retirees and families; Caloundra for beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Aroona
48.6/100
Caloundra
61.7/100
Crime rate
Aroona
26.8 / 1k
Caloundra
26.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Aroona
20
Caloundra
305
Population
Aroona
3,466
Caloundra
3,932
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.
Aroona is a settled metro mid-sized suburb that balances access with everyday calm, while Caloundra is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Caloundra leans into coastal living, while Aroona feels more inland and suburban in character.
Aroona tends to lead on housing affordability and stronger socioeconomic advantage, while Caloundra stands out for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves. On housing, Aroona sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Caloundra.
Retirees and investors may find Aroona the better fit, while people chasing a beach lifestyle and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Caloundra.