Overall score
Ashburton
71.4/100
Canterbury
61.5/100
Ashburton vs Canterbury, VIC suburb comparison
Ashburton for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
AshburtonCanterbury
Crime rate
Ashburton
68.4 / 1k
Canterbury
39.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ashburton
358
Canterbury
299
Population
Ashburton
7,952
Canterbury
7,800
Metric leadAshburton 6Canterbury 41 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Ashburton | Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.4/100 | 61.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 19.5/100 | 9.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 68.4 / 1k | 39.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 15 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 38 | 41 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 75.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 358 | 299 |
| Planning activity | 103 | 154 |
| Population | 7,952 | 7,800 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Ashburton is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, while Canterbury is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Ashburton sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Canterbury is closer to the city centre.
Ashburton pulls ahead on housing affordability and walkability, whereas Canterbury is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
On balance, retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Ashburton, while Canterbury remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.