Ballina vs East Ballina, NSW suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Ballina | East Ballina |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 53.0/100 | 46.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.2/100 | 55.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 93.8 / 1k | 93.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | 17 |
| Public transport stops | 318 | 209 |
| Walkability | 61.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 40 | 375 |
| Planning activity | 29 | 17 |
| Population | 9,735 | 5,882 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 7/10 |
Quick verdicts
- Best for retireesEast Ballina
- Best for familiesBallina
- Best for beach lifestyleEast Ballina
- Best for best schoolsBallina
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.