Overall score
Ballina
52.3/100
East Ballina
47.7/100
Ballina vs East Ballina, NSW suburb comparison
Ballina for families; East Ballina for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BallinaEast Ballina
Crime rate
Ballina
89.8 / 1k
East Ballina
89.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ballina
40
East Ballina
375
Population
Ballina
9,735
East Ballina
5,882
Metric leadBallina 5East Ballina 6across 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 retireesEast Ballina
- Best for familiesBallina
- Best for beach lifestyleEast Ballina
- Best for best schoolsEast Ballina
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 | Ballina | East Ballina |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 52.3/100 | 47.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.2/100 | 55.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 89.8 / 1k | 89.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | 17 |
| Public transport stops | 318 | 209 |
| Walkability | 61.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 40 | 375 |
| Planning activity | 36 | 22 |
| Population | 9,735 | 5,882 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Ballina is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, and East Ballina is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Where East Ballina is shaped by the coast, Ballina offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Ballina pulls ahead on schools and education options and public transport access, whereas East Ballina is the better pick for housing affordability and parks and reserves. On housing, Ballina sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in East Ballina.
Ballina suits families and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas East Ballina is the stronger match for retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle.