Overall score
Boambee East
43.4/100
Sawtell
56.0/100
Boambee East vs Sawtell, NSW Suburb Comparison
Boambee East for value; Sawtell for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Boambee EastSawtell
Crime rate
Boambee East
75.8 / 1k
Sawtell
75.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Boambee East
42
Sawtell
134
Population
Boambee East
5,304
Sawtell
3,788
Metric leadBoambee East 6Sawtell 52 tiedacross 13 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesSawtell
- Best for familiesSawtell
- Best for beach lifestyleSawtell
- Best for best valueBoambee East
- Best for best schoolsSawtell
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 | Boambee East | Sawtell |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 43.4/100 | 56.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 68.5/100 | 63.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 75.8 / 1k | 75.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 3 |
| Weather (desirability) | 64.0/100 | 64.0/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 60 | 60 |
| Walkability | 55.0/100 | 54.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 42 | 134 |
| Planning activity | 16 | 26 |
| Green cover | 2.8% | 17.1% |
| Population | 5,304 | 3,788 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Boambee East reads as a regional mid-sized suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace; Sawtell is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Where Sawtell is shaped by the coast, Boambee East offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Boambee East is stronger for housing affordability, a quieter safety profile, and schools and education options; Sawtell answers with parks and reserves, nearby cafés and amenities, and overall desirability.
Investors, value-focused buyers, and households prioritising schools may find Boambee East the better fit, while retirees, families, and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Sawtell.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.