Overall score
Balgowlah
63.4/100
Queenscliff
53.4/100
Balgowlah vs Queenscliff, NSW suburb comparison
Queenscliff for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalgowlahQueenscliff
Crime rate
Balgowlah
24.1 / 1k
Queenscliff
20.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balgowlah
218
Queenscliff
54
Population
Balgowlah
8,068
Queenscliff
3,407
Metric leadBalgowlah 5Queenscliff 51 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesQueenscliff
- Best for familiesQueenscliff
- Best for beach lifestyleQueenscliff
- Best for investmentQueenscliff
- Best for best schoolsQueenscliff
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 | Balgowlah | Queenscliff |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 63.4/100 | 53.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 23.6/100 | 31.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 24.1 / 1k | 20.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 10 | 11 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 103 | 33 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 218 | 54 |
| Planning activity | 19 | 10 |
| Population | 8,068 | 3,407 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Balgowlah is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Queenscliff is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Where Queenscliff is shaped by the coast, Balgowlah offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Balgowlah pulls ahead on public transport access and walkability, whereas Queenscliff is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Balgowlah suits value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Queenscliff is the stronger match for retirees and families.