Overall score
Cairnlea
60.8/100
St Albans
69.8/100
Cairnlea vs St Albans, VIC suburb comparison
Cairnlea for retirees; St Albans for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CairnleaSt Albans
Crime rate
Cairnlea
47.3 / 1k
St Albans
103.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cairnlea
133
St Albans
610
Population
Cairnlea
10,038
St Albans
38,042
Metric leadCairnlea 4St Albans 7across 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 | Cairnlea | St Albans |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 60.8/100 | 69.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 56.3/100 | 55.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 47.3 / 1k | 103.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 13 |
| Parks & reserves | 12 | 34 |
| Public transport stops | 27 | 168 |
| Walkability | 92.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 133 | 610 |
| Planning activity | 1 | 80 |
| Population | 10,038 | 38,042 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 1/10 |
Comparison summary
Cairnlea is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, while St Albans is a lively metro larger suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Cairnlea tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while St Albans stands out for schools and education options and parks and reserves. On housing, Cairnlea sits in a well priced band, compared with a affordable feel in St Albans.
Retirees may find Cairnlea the better fit, while investors and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer St Albans.